HEBRON, April 29, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities Wednesday notified local residents of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, of their intention to demolish a number of water wells used by locals for drinking and irrigation in the area, according to local sources.

Coordinator of the Anti-Settlement Committee in Hebron, Rateb Jabour, said an army force accompanied by staff from the Israeli Civil Administration broke into eastern part of Yatta town, and handed local residents notices informing them about their intent to demolish the water wells.

The wells were built with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Action Against Hunger Association to help meet the needs of locals who suffer from water scarcity in that area, particularly during the summer time. Locals depend on these wells to provide them with drinking water, and  for crops' irrigation.

Masafer Yatta, a collection of almost 19 hamlets, relies 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 village has been subject to repeated Israeli violations by settlers and army soldiers targeting their main source of living, livestock.

The congregation relies heavily on animal husbandry as the main source of livelihood, and has been a frequent target for recurrent Israeli assaults.

Israeli violations against the area include demolition of animal barns, homes and residential structures. It is located in Area C of the West Bank, under tight Israeli control, and issuance of construction permits by Israel in the area is strictly limited.

 M.N/T.R