Israeli settlers are driving forward the annexation of the Jordan Valley, with the support of the Israeli state and its institutions.

Since the beginning of March 2023 settlers have been working to annex four natural water springs in Khirbet Al Deir, east of Ein el Beida in the northern Jordan Valley. All four springs are used by Palestinian farmers to irrigate their crops.

The settlers seized the springs, with the support of the Settlement Council, and created parks around them with benches, and vines. They then entrenched their control by posting on social media and encouraging other settlers to come to the area. It is increasingly unsafe for Palestinian farmers to use the spring and access the water they need for their crops.

From experience, we know that this is the first step in the annexation of this land for exclusive use by Israeli settlers. In 2020 the Khallet Khadr and Ein El Hilwe springs were stolen from the Palestinian communities living around them, through the use of similar tactics.

Khirbet Al Deir, uphill from the Jordan river, had an active Palestinian community and a working mill until the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in 1967. The village has slowly been destroyed, so that only 6 families now live there permanently. By taking control of the natural springs, the settlers are aiming to erase it completely.

Jordan Valley Solidarity are calling for support, starting during Eid, to help maintain the Palestinian presence in this historic village.