Israeli occupation gangs have carried out another raid on a historic water spring in the town of Al-Jib, northwest of occupied Jerusalem, raising concerns among Palestinian officials that repeated incursions are aimed at seizing the site and preventing Palestinians from accessing it.

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, Israeli occupation gangs stormed the Al-Ras area of Al-Jib for the second time within a few days, where they performed what they described as "purification rituals" at the historic spring.

Palestinian officials warned that the repeated raids are part of broader efforts to impose control over the area by using religious claims as a pretext to seize historically and culturally significant Palestinian sites.

Historic site under growing threat

Al-Jib Mayor Samir Abdulrabbo said the latest raid forms part of an ongoing campaign targeting the town and its surrounding lands.

He said the religious rituals are being used as a cover to justify attempts to seize the historic water spring and gradually impose new realities on the ground.

Abdulrabbo noted that the Al-Ras area has long served as a popular recreational destination for residents of Al-Jib, warning that the continued raids by Israeli gangs could ultimately prevent Palestinians from accessing the site and pave the way for permanent control over the area.

Palestinian officials warn of gradual takeover

The Jerusalem Governorate said the raising of Israeli flags and the performance of religious rituals at the site are intended to consolidate control over Palestinian land and gradually appropriate the area's historical and natural landmarks.

The site includes an ancient rock-cut water structure known locally as Al-Cura, featuring a spiral staircase and an underground passage that illustrate historical water collection and storage systems dating back centuries.

Palestinian officials called for the protection of the historic spring and its surroundings, stressing the importance of preserving Al-Jib residents' connection to the site and ending repeated raids.

The developments in Al-Jib come amid broader concerns over increasing attempts to assert control over natural water resources, archaeological sites and public spaces across the occupied West Bank. Palestinian officials say such raids often begin with repeated visits and religious ceremonies before access for local residents is gradually restricted.(ILKHA)