HEBRON, Friday, February 14, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli colonists Friday contaminated a large tract of pastures in Masafer Yatta, south of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, according to a local official.

Faried Burqan, Head of Birin Village Council, said that Israeli colonists poisoned a large tract of pastures in Masafer Yatta, killing 26 sheep.

He added that earlier Friday colonists stormed the same pastures and planted saplings as a prelude to take them over.

He pointed out that there has been an upsurge in attacks by Israeli colonists in the southern Hebron governorate, including poisoning water wells and pastures in an attempt to displace Palestinians and take over their land for the construction of colonies.

Masafer Yatta is a collection of almost 19 hamlets that rely heavily on animal husbandry as the main source of livelihood.

Located in Area C of the West Bank, under full Israeli administrative and military control, the area has been subjected to repeated Israeli violations by colonists and soldiers targeting their main source of living - livestock.

It has been designated as a closed Israeli military zone for training since the 1980s and is accordingly referred to as Firing Zone 918.

Israeli violations against the area include the demolition of animal barns, homes, and residential structures. Issuance of construction permits by Israel to local Palestinians in the area is non-existent.

K.F.