Jordan Valley Barrier Divides Palestinian Families, Restricts Access to Resources
Construction of the "Second Thread" barrier in the Jordan Valley is significantly impacting Palestinian communities, displacing families and cutting off access to vital water and food sources. The barrier, which began construction in August 2023, is set to annex tens of thousands of dunams of land and connect new Israeli settlements. Residents report being trapped, unable to reach grazing lands or agricultural fields that were once the breadbasket for the entire West Bank.
Tensions are high as residents describe settlers, sometimes dressed in military uniforms, patrolling the area and intimidating locals. Shepherd Tawfiq Haj Qassem, who has grazed his flock in the area for over 50 years, stated that he can no longer access the high ground where he used to graze, forcing him to buy feed for his sheep, a new expense. His son was reportedly assaulted by settlers while attempting to graze their flock.
The stated purpose of the barrier, according to the IDF, is to prevent weapons smuggling from the eastern border and thwart terror threats. However, Palestinian officials and residents argue that security is merely a pretext for land appropriation and the destruction of Palestinian agriculture. They claim the project will cut off access to approximately 83% of the plains' land and displace communities.
Families in communities like Khirbet Ras al-Ahmar are finding themselves trapped east of the barrier, with damaged water pipes and restricted movement. Some have been forced to leave their homes. Residents report settlers interfering with water deliveries and intimidating them. The IDF claims that water shortages have not been reported and that any damage to water pipes is due to illegal connections in firing zones, a claim disputed by legal representatives of the residents.
Legal challenges against the barrier's construction are ongoing. While the IDF maintains that the project adheres to court decisions, residents and their legal counsel accuse the military and settlers of coordinated actions to expel Palestinians from their land and seize agricultural areas. The situation has created a dire living environment, described by one resident as "like living in hell."
