Gaza: Israeli colonists on Friday attacked the Khirbet al-Hamra community in the northern Jordan Valley, according to a human rights activist. Aref Daraghmeh reported that colonists broke into the community dwellings and physically assaulted an inhabitant. This community has been the target of daily attacks by Israeli colonists, including vandalism of property and denying herders access to pastures.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Jordan Valley is a fertile strip of land along the Jordan River, home to about 65,000 Palestinians and constituting approximately 30% of the West Bank. Since 1967, following the Israeli army's occupation of the West Bank, Israel has relocated at least 11,000 of its Jewish citizens to the Jordan Valley, where several settlements have been constructed on private Palestinian land.
The Israeli military has designated about 46% of the Jordan Valley as a closed military zone since June 1967, utilizing military drills as a pretext to displace Palestinian families. This policy aims to stifle Palestinian development and is considered part of an ethnic cleansing strategy. Approximately 6,200 Palestinians reside in 38 communities within these military zones and must obtain permission from Israeli authorities to live there.
In violation of international law, the Israeli military not only displaces these communities temporarily but also confiscates farmlands and demolishes homes and infrastructure. Palestinian families face significant restrictions on accessing resources and services, while Israel allocates land and water resources to settlers for profit.
Israeli politicians have repeatedly stated that the strategically important Jordan Valley will remain under Israeli control, regardless of future negotiations or agreements.