HEBRON, June 19, 2018 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Tuesday razed a large tract of Palestinian farmlands, east of Yatta, in the southern West Bank, said a local activist.

Local coordinator of the anti-wall and anti-settlements committee, Rateb Jabour, said that settlers from the Israeli settlement of Maon, under troops’ protection, bulldozed dozens of dunums of farmlands belonging to the Morr, Abu Bbeita and Moghannam families.

The purpose, according to Jabour, was to expand the illegal settlements of Maon and Havat Maon in the south Hebron hills.

He concluded that settlers have been stepping up efforts to destroy Palestinian farmlands in the area to expand nearby settlements, including Karmiel, Avigal, Mitzpe Yair besides to Maon and Havat Maon.

K.F./M.K.