RAMALLAH, June 19, 2016 (WAFA) – The foreign ministry Sunday demanded the arrest of a Jewish Rabbi, who called on Israeli settlers in the West Bank to poison water used by Palestinians in hundreds of towns and villages.

The Palestinian national office for the defense of land and resistance of settlement warned of the dangers and consequences of such calls. 

In its weekly report, it explained that Rabbi Shlomo Mlmad, the chairman of the so-called Council of Rabbis in West Bank settlements, called on settlers to poison Palestinians through their water, which came to light by the Israeli organization ‘Break the Silence‘. 

Yehuda Shaul, of Break the Silence, said the aim behind poisoning water in the West Bank is to push Palestinians out of their towns and cities in order to allow settlers to take over Palestinians’ land.

The ministry of foreign affairs said in a press release that Palestinians have grown used to Israel stealing their water sources then selling it back to them. Recently, the Israeli authorities cut off water supplies from the northern cities of the West Bank during the hottest days of the month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from sunrise till sunset.

While Israel continues to pose multiple restrictions on Palestinians who try to dig water wells, this call by Rabbi Mlmad is considered a crime against humanity because it targets humans, animals, corps and all forms of life in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The ministry held the Israeli government full responsibility of the consequences of such calls. It demanded the arrest of the Rabbi for inciting murder and the enforcement of necessary procedures to protect Palestinians from individuals who might attempt to poison water sources.

“What is the international community waiting for to interfere; the death of thousands of Palestinians of thirst? To meet such incident with silence and ignore the war Israel is waging against Palestinians is a cause of shame for the international community.”

M.H