Ahmed Samrin, member in Defense Committee of Salwan lands, said that the so-called Israeli Ministry for Environmental Protection has started digging areas in Wadi Rababa preparing for the  construction of the suspension bridge.

The bridge starts from Al-Thawri neighborhood passing Wadi Rababa all to Nabi Dawud area. There are other construction works in the Wadi Rababa neighborhood to turn the lands into Torah paths and gardens, and fake graves.

Samrin, also an owner of a land in the neighborhood, said that the occupation is trying to take over the lands to implement projects there. He also stressed that the owners are completely opposing such plans, and are holding on to their lands through planting and plowing them, and are seeking legal help to protect their rights.

Wadi Rababa neighborhood is the only remaining area for the citizens to build homes, schools and parks; however, the occupation refuses granting them permits. It prevents the inhabitants from constructing, expanding and planting their own lands.

The occupation’s government approved the construction of a new settlement neighborhood to the south-west of Al-Quds on an area of 1,000 donums after denying all objections according to Globes newspaper.

The neighborhood has 5,000 settlement units and construction of 300 protection units.