HEBRON: Israeli settlers reportedly chased Palestinian shepherds and damaged olive groves in Masafer Yatta, a region south of Hebron in the West Bank, on Wednesday. The incident is part of ongoing tensions in the area, which is under Israeli control.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, local activist Osama Makhamra reported that settlers pursued shepherds from the al-Hamamdeh family, preventing them from accessing grazing lands in the Bir Ma'in area of Masafer Yatta. The settlers also allowed their livestock to graze on Palestinian crops and destroyed several olive trees belonging to the Na'amin family.
Masafer Yatta is composed of nearly 19 hamlets that depend heavily on animal husbandry for their livelihoods. The region, located in Area C of the West Bank, is under full Israeli administrative and military control. It has been designated as a closed Israeli military zone for training, known as Firing Zone 918, since the 1980s. This designation has resulted in frequent conflicts and alleged violations by settlers and soldiers.
The reported violations include the demolition of animal barns, homes, and residential structures. Local Palestinians face significant challenges in obtaining construction permits from Israeli authorities, which has further exacerbated tensions in the area.