APN | Al Nassariya

17 October 2024

Under the pressure of Israeli settlement expansion, the central Jordan Valley in Palestine faces a tragic reality characterized by the confiscation of agricultural lands, control over water resources, and strict building restrictions. In the face of colonial attempts to impel the abandonment of fertile Palestinian lands, APN continues to support the steadfastness of local communities through planting 2000 fruit trees in the lands of Al Nassariya. This was undertaken with the support of the family of Khaled Darwaza and Fayza Anabtawi.

Statistics show that Israel has confiscated nearly 85% of the total area of the Jordan Valley in Palestine. Israel declares many of these lands as "closed military zones" or "state land" as a means of depriving Palestinians of the right to use the lands for development and cultivation. Moreover, the area is surrounded by 37 Israeli settlements that continually expand by adding new housing units and bypass roads, further isolating and threatening the seizure of Palestinian lands.

Israel controls over 90% of the water resources in the Palestinian Jordan Valley which is extensively used for irrigation of occupied agricultural lands. This severely curtails the supply of water to Palestinian farmers. 

In addition to man-made land and water challenges, Palestinians face severe restrictions on construction, urban expansion, and public services. Building permits are subject to strict procedures and are often rejected.

Despite these challenges, APN succeeded in reaching four plots of land in the village of Al Nassariya. Through this activity, APN seeks to strengthen the ability of Palestinian farmers to enhance agricultural production and remain steadfast on their lands.