BETHLEHEM, Wednesday, February 24, 2021 (WAFA) – A Palestinian shepherd and his sister were detained today by Israeli occupation forces and settlers while herding their sheep in open pastures in the south of the occupied West Bank, according to a local official.

Ahmad Ghazal, deputy head of Kisan village council, told WAFA that settlers, backed by soldiers, detained the shepherd and his sister while attending to their sheep in open pastures east of Kisan village, east of Bethlehem.

He said the settlers and the soldiers have refused to let them go before issuing a fine for herding in the open pastures.

Kisan shepherds are often attacked and harassed by soldiers and settlers who also let their dogs attack and kill the sheep, considered the only source of living for the shepherds.

T.R./M.K.