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West Bank settlers divert Palestinian water to ancient pool
Israeli settlers in the West Bank have reportedly diverted water from Palestinian agricultural lands to fill an ancient pool, which is being promoted as a tourist attraction. The diversion has severely impacted the village of Fasayil in the Jordan Valley, where residents rely on these water sources for food production, employment, and domestic use.
Local farmer Saad Nemer stated that his irrigation pipeline was seized in June, leaving his crops without water. He also reported that a worker was beaten and he himself faced threats when attempting to access the source. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has pledged financial support to develop the area into a recreational park.
According to United Nations data, there have been at least 160 attacks on water and sanitation infrastructure in the Palestinian territories this year. Palestinian officials claim that settlers now control approximately 95% of the water sources in the northern Jordan Valley, a move they argue is intended to make Palestinian life in the West Bank unsustainable. While some claim the site has historical ties to the era of King Herod, archaeologists have cautioned that the historical origin is unverified and that filling the pool could damage the archaeological site.
Entities
Bezalel Smotrich · COGAT · Fasayil · Jordan Valley · Saad Nemer · United Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich promised financial support for a recreational park around the pool. www.mesazhi.com · tetovasot.com · www.koutipandoras.gr · www.metrosport.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Israeli settlers diverted water from Palestinian crops to an ancient pool in the Jordan Valley. www.mesazhi.com · tetovasot.com · www.koutipandoras.gr · www.metrosport.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Settlers reportedly control approximately 95% of water sources in the northern Jordan Valley. www.koutipandoras.gr · www.metrosport.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Saad Nemer reported the diversion of his irrigation pipeline in June. www.mesazhi.com · tetovasot.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The United Nations reported at least 160 attacks on water and sanitation facilities in Palestinian territories this year tetovasot.com · www.koutipandoras.gr · www.metrosport.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] An Israeli archaeologist stated the historical origin of the pool is uncertain and filling it may damage the site. www.koutipandoras.gr · www.metrosport.gr