Occupied Jerusalem, July 3 (Petra)-- Israeli extremist settlers seized the Ein Rawabi spring, located east of the town of Anata, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, on Friday after vandalizing the site and taking control of it, in what Palestinian authorities described as a new attack targeting vital water resources relied upon by Bedouin communities and livestock herders.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Governorate said the spring is the only source of water available to local shepherds for drinking and watering their livestock. It previously supplied the needs of around 1,300 sheep, making its seizure a direct threat to the livelihoods of dozens of Bedouin families.

The governorate said the incident forms part of an ongoing policy by Israeli authorities and settlers aimed at restricting herders' access to grazing land and water resources in an effort to force them off their land.

It added that the area has witnessed a series of recent attacks, including the construction of settler roads leading to the spring, attempts to steal livestock, and assaults on local shepherds.

//Petra// MF