Hrayba described the impact of drying wells on agriculture: "There is a major crisis with wells; 60-70% are out of service. Around 50% of agricultural land cannot be farmed. The Assad regime has turned large areas into military zones and mined them, making agriculture impossible. It will take many years to clear and restore these lands."
He emphasized that Israel blocks water flowing from occupied Quneitra and the Golan Heights into the Yarmouk Basin, deepening the crisis.
"Using vertical drilling machines, Israel draws underground water to its own territory," Hrayba said, adding that horizontal drilling accelerates this flow, causing a significant drop in water levels in the region.
He also said Israel prevents the opening of new wells along the border and targets well-drilling activities. Some fish farms have also been shut down after the Israeli occupation, further hurting agricultural and livestock production.
Hrayba said they advise farmers strategically: "Water security is more important than food security. That's why we recommend cultivating certain crops. Every drop of water must be conserved."
