• In a shocking display of force, Israeli soldiers have filled water wells belonging to Palestinian farmers with concrete and cement.
• In addition, raids and looting of Palestinian farmlands have disrupted the livelihoods of families who depended on these lands for sustenance.
Recent distressing events in the occupied region of Hebron have further brought to light the brutality of Israeli soldiers against Palestinian communities. Videos on media have been circulating about the Israeli forces that filled water wells with concrete and cement, leading to the devastating loss of crucial water resources for Palestinian farmers. The impact of these actions has raised concern over scarce access to vital resources in the occupied West Bank.
The issue of water resources in the occupied West Bank is a deeply contentious and complex matter. Israel’s control over water resources in the region has resulted in an insufficient supply, forcing residents to search for alternative sources. The Israeli forces’ practice of sealing water wells makes it even harder for Palestinian communities to get enough water for everyday use and farming.
This cruel act has severely hindered the farmers’ ability to access water resources for irrigating their farmlands. One such affected farmer, Bassam Dudin, expressed his dismay at the unannounced destruction of water sources, which had previously sustained up to 25 Palestinian families. These Palestinian farmers have been facing increased distress and uncertainty due to the lack of prior warning or documentation.
Three years ago, a somewhat similar incident unfolded in Israel, where a Palestinian man became the target of revenge. In an act of punishment, Israeli forces poured concrete into the man’s house, allegedly seeking retribution for the death of an Israeli soldier.
The videos captured during the incident depict the presence of numerous Israeli soldiers around the water sources and farms belonging to Palestinians. These soldiers were seen conducting raids and looting on Palestinian farmlands in the occupied Hebron region. These raids have caused significant damage to the lands that once provided livelihoods for many families. The problems faced by Palestinian communities have become worse due to the disruption of their agricultural activities. This has further increased tensions in the region.
In Islam, water is considered a precious and life-sustaining resource, essential for the well-being of all living beings. In Sunan Ibn Majah3684:
Sad bin Ubadah said:
I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what charity is best?’
He said: ‘Giving water to drink.’
This hadith is particularly relevant in the context of sealing wells and depriving Palestinian families of water. It emphasizes the importance of providing access to water, which is a basic necessity, to all people as an act of charity and virtue in Islam. Actions that restrict access to water go against the broader teachings of Islam, which promote the fair distribution of resources and compassionate treatment of others.
