The Ramin Plain is one of the picturesque landscapes that is threatened by the annexation plans of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank. It is surrounded by eight Palestinian villages and the Shafi Shimron Jewish settlement overlooks it. The Israeli occupation authority is trying to expand this settlement in implementation of what is known as the annexation plan.
Strategic location
Mahmoud Zaidan Chairman of Ramin Council stressed that the importance of the Plain lies in its location. It is located between the provinces of Tulkarem in the west and Nablus in the east.
He explained that the Ramin Plain is one of the very important internal plains in Palestine and is distinguished by its breathtaking views and ancient historical sites such as the railway Babur al-Baik and other significant areas in addition to the new project (purification plant) which feeds this plain with water.
The Chairman added that in winter Palestinian farmers in the Plain plant cereals including wheat and barley and in summer they grow vegetables such as sesame yard-long cucumber melons and other crops.
He pointed out that the Ramin Plain is one of the beautiful natural parks calling on all Palestinians to visit it and encourage domestic tourism.
Beauty threatened with settlement
Zaidan underlined that the Shafi Shomron settlement in Nablus overlooks this Plain so the occupation is trying to impose its control over it and harass the citizens in an attempt to prevent them from exploiting this green area.
He praised the Palestinians who are strengthening the resilience of inhabitants of these natural areas calling on the Ministry of Local Government to renovate the streets leading to the Plain to facilitate the access of tourists and citizens.
Schemes and obstacles
The head of the village council added that the Israeli occupation forces are working to create an atmosphere conducive for the Jewish settlers and protect their settlements.
He warned that if the occupation plans are implemented large areas of Ramin Plain and part of its lands will be confiscated thus preventing the Palestinian citizens from reaching it.
“The occupation authorities are deliberately disrupting the desalination project plan and other projects including an internal sewage network” he underlined.
Zaidan called on the media to shed light on this issue and expose the Israeli violations before it is too late.
