HEBRON, Wednesday, December 19, 2018 (WAFA) – Dozens of Israeli Jewish settlers Wednesday attacked Palestinian farmers in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, attempting to seize their lands, said a local activist.

Rateb Jabour, who monitors settlement construction in the southern West Bank, told WAFA that settlers attacked a number of farmers in the area, inflicting bruises across their bodies. The farmers were identified as members of al-Rib‘i.

Settlers attempted to sabotage dozens of donums of land planted with winter crops that provide livestock fodder.

Masafer Yatta is a collection of almost 19 hamlets which 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 settlers and soldiers targeting their main source of living - livestock.

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

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

K.T./ K.F.