Palestinian Farmers Stand Firm Against Settler Aggression in Hebron

In the heart of the West Bank, Palestinian farmers are locked in a relentless struggle to protect their crops and livelihoods from encroaching settler aggression. Theeba al-Sabaa, a 56-year-old farmer from Beit Ummar near Hebron, exemplifies the resilience and determination of her community. For her, the land is not just a source of income; it symbolizes generations of hard work and a deep connection to her heritage.

Daily Struggles and Settler Intimidation

Theeba has become accustomed to working her fields under the watchful eyes of settlers who have established outposts nearby. Since mid-2024, these settlements have made it increasingly difficult for her to access her land. "By God, the land has taught me patience, and to cling to my right," she asserts, vowing never to abandon her ancestral home. Despite the threats, she continues to toil day in and day out, refusing to let her hard work be taken away.

Impact on the Community

Her neighbor, Anwar Sabarneh, faces similar challenges. The 59-year-old farmer has seen two of his brothers abandon their lands due to the dangers posed by settlers. With a family of 14 to support, Sabarneh describes the absurdity of needing permits from the Israeli army to access his own land. "The army came with the settlers to ask me for a permit so I can work in my home," he recounts, highlighting the absurdity of their oppression. His sheep, once free to roam, have been confined to a barn for over eight months due to the threat of theft and violence from settlers.

A Broader Pattern of Violence

The plight of these farmers is part of a broader strategy targeting Palestinian agriculture, with reports suggesting that there were over 11,000 attacks in the West Bank in the first half of 2026 alone. This situation has led to a fourth consecutive season where farmers have been unable to harvest their crops, resulting in lands that remain unplowed and unpruned. Hasan Breijieh, a settlement affairs expert, points to military restrictions and settlement expansions as major contributors to this crisis, limiting access to vital agricultural areas and disconnecting communities.

Source: www.aljazeera.com