Gaza, Alray - Israel forced on Monday night about 1000 citizens of the northern Jordan Valley to leave their homes because of Israeli artillery drill.

Spokesman of Wadi al-Maleh (valley) Aref Daraghmeh said "homes of approximately one hundred families were evacuated by force due to an Israeli military decision issued a few days ago."

Daraghmeh said "pastoral areas spreading along from Hamra checkpoint to Khirbat Hamma to the north were completely emptied of its population, while thousands of sheep were also removed."

Eyewitnesses said "the shepherds and their families have been forced to use tractors to leave their homes, and take different exits away from the Israeli emplacements."

Hundreds of armored tanks and thousands of artillery soldiers are taking part in the exercises, according to the witnesses.

"The displacement campaign is the widest, after similar operations over the past few months. Pastoralists usually found themselves obliged to leave the areas to be occupied for Israeli military exercises." Daraghmeh said.

Residents of the valley region are worried about a fire taking place in the mountains and pastures as previously, whereby pastures making out thousands of acres were destroyed as a result of live ammunition.