Israeli Forces Set Fire To 8000 Dunums In Al-Khalil

AL-Khalil, 8 Sha’ban 1437/16 May 2016 (MINA) – The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) set fire to 8000 dunums of Palestinian-owned agricultural lands near Nejehot settlement illegally built west of Dura town in Al-Khalil.

Israeli forces were deployed overnight in large numbers near the settlement and carried out search operations for “wanted persons” who were allegedly planning to storm the illegal settlement.

During the search operation, IOF soldiers heavily fired flare bombs which led to the outbreak of fire in the neighboring agricultural lands, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The PIC reporter said that thousands of dunums planted with olive, fig, grape, and almond trees were burnt since the early morning hours.

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Israeli forces prevented the Palestinian civil defense crews from reaching the area and confiscated a fire truck while trying to put down the fire.

The fire reached a nearby house owned by Jadallah family.

Fortunately, the civil defense crews managed to evacuate the family members. However, three citizens suffered breathing difficulties.(T/P008/R04)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)