Israel increases restrictions and house demolitions in the Jordan Valley

A report issued by the Arab League says that the Israeli occupation forces have increased the restrictions placed on Palestinians in the Jordan Valley. The Palestine and Arab Territories Section claim that Israel’s aim is to expel the residents in preparation for its annexation of the land. The Jordan Valley is being increasingly isolated from the rest of the occupied West Bank.

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According to the report, Israeli occupation forces have escalated house demolition operations across the Jordan Valley. These include demolitions in the northern village of Abu Al-Ajjaj in preparation for the expansion of the illegal settlement of Mussua. Military decrees were issued to residents by the Israeli authorities ordering them to evacuate their homes.

Dozens of Israeli military bulldozers demolished eight buildings and a mosque in the village of Yerza, also in the northern area of the Jordan Valley. Israeli forces declared the area to be a closed military zone for training soldiers when, in fact, the expulsion of Palestinians is to make way for the expansion of the illegal settlements’ agricultural activity in the area.

The Arab League report also said that the Israeli government drains mineral water in the Jordan Valley deliberately so as to compel residents to leave. More military checkpoints are also being used to tighten Israel’s siege on the Palestinian residents and prevent access to their land.