Green trees are all what you see when you enter Wadi Qana west of Salfit in the West Bank but sadly settlement outposts began to spread like cancer cells to limit natural expansion and deform the natural beauty.
Few hundred meters away from the entrance of Deir Istiya town lies the entrance of Wadi Qana clear by its trees where ponds are formed with few water left in light of the growing diversion of water by Israeli settlements.
“Thousands of families own agricultural lands in this valley and they are considered their sole source of income and used cultivating citrus fruits in addition to raising livestock” according to Said Zidane Mayor of Wadi Qana in a statement to the PIC.
The cancer of settlements
Between 1978 and 1986 several settlements were established on the hills overlooking both banks of the Wadi: Immanuel and Karnei Shomron to the north; Yaqir and Nofim to the south. Later the settlement of Karnei Shomron expanded to several nearby hills as well.
Furthermore between 1998 and 2000 the settlement outposts of Alonei Shilo El Matan and Yair Farm were established by these settlements.
Israeli settlement expansion was not limited to land seizure; but also to dumping waste in nearby areas which had a negative impact on the valley and its water sources used for agricultural purposes.
A stunning reserve
Despite the distortion caused by the Israeli settlement activity the area remains beautiful according to Imad al-Atrash Palestine Wildlife Society head who plans trips for students and activists annually.
“Our valley is considered a wildlife reserve for both the fauna and flora” he told the PIC.
Meanwhile Mohannad Mansour a farmer complained in a statement to the PIC reporter of the damage caused by Israeli settlements’ dumping of their refuse into the waterways in the valley which prevents farmers from using water for agricultural purposes.
Despite the Israeli persecution of Palestinian farmers and hikers the valley is witnessing presence of farmers and environmental activists throughout the year especially in the spring and summer seasons.
