Sinjil lands declared closed zones after settler provocation
Reageer (0)24-3-2010
Ramallah –At least 40 armed settlers accosted Palestinian farmers working near Sinjil village on Tuesday, prompting the arrival of Israeli forces, who declared the area a closed military zone, locals reported.
Imad Masalma, head of the Sinjil municipal council, said farmers had obtained a permit to enter the 50 dunum-area following five years of closure, and refused to leave their lands when confronted by the group of settlers.
Soldiers arrived on the scene and initially attempted to evacuate the settlers, Masalma said, but ended up declaring the area a closed military area and forcing the farmers to evacuate the land.
The group of villagers in the field included farmers with eight tractors and several members of the local popular committee, established to defend the village and its agricultural lands, Masalma said.
The village of Singil is south of three large settlements, including Ma'ale Levona, Shilo and Eli, as well as a varying number of illegal outposts around the settlements. Farmers say most of the village lands north of the residential area have been declared closed military zones, and accused settlers of purposely provoking farmers in order to have areas closed to Palestinians.
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