Settlers divert Fasayil spring water from Palestinian farms to West Bank pool

Fasayil, Palestinian Territory. Israeli settlers have diverted water from a spring used by Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley village of Fasayil to an ancient pool at an archaeological site, according to local farmers.

Water supply cut off

The spring had provided water for generations to residents of Fasayil, supporting food production, employment and household supplies amid irregular Israeli water deliveries.

“Our water supply remains cut off to this day, depriving us of the water we depend on for our homes, our livelihoods, and our agricultural land,” said farmer Saad Nemer.

Nemer said settlers seized his irrigation pipeline in June and channelled the water to the pool. Settlers later advertised the site as an Israeli tourist attraction, while Israel’s far-right finance minister pledged financial support.

“They are now in the process of developing a recreational park around the pool,” Nemer said.

Impact on farming

Nemer said his greenhouses and fields, which would normally contain eggplant, zucchini and watermelons, have remained unplanted because of the loss of irrigation water.

“The settlers cutting off our water has caused us losses and has meant that many families will lose their work and their livelihoods,” he said.

Reported attacks on water sites

Palestinians say the seizure of the Fasayil spring forms part of a broader pattern intended to make life in the West Bank untenable. United Nations data shows that Israeli settlers have attacked at least 160 water and sanitation sites across the Palestinian territory this year.

Nemer said settlers have prevented Palestinian villagers from approaching the spring. He said an employee was beaten by settlers and that he had received threats when trying to reach the site as far back as two years ago.