Masafer yatta: Israeli colonists on Tuesday seized a number of caves in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, and established a presence there as part of plans to set up a new pastoral settlement, a move that would encroach upon vast areas of Masafer Yatta lands.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, media activist Osama Makhamreh reported that a group of colonists occupied several caves in the area, belonging to the al-Hammamdeh and al-Atayreh families, and settled there with their sheep. These sheep were released onto Palestinian residents' lands, which are cultivated with trees and crops.
The seized caves are strategically located near the road connecting the villages and hamlets of Masafer Yatta. These areas are already threatened with forcible displacement, heightening the tension and concerns among local residents.
Residents have voiced concerns over a potential escalation of attacks in Masafer Yatta and the further appropriation of their lands. This action is seen as part of an ongoing plan to expand pastoral settlement activity in the area, sparking fears of more aggressive land seizures.