HEBRON, January 1, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli colonists Wednesday chased Palestinian shepherds and destroyed olive groves in Masafer Yatta, south of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, according to a local activist.

Osama Makhamra said that colonists chased shepherds, all identified as members of the al-Hamamdeh family, and denied them access to pastures in the Bir Ma‘in area of Masafer Yatta.

Meanwhile, colonists grazed their livestock on Palestinians’ crops and sabotaged several olive trees belonging to members of the Na‘amin family.

Masafer Yatta is a collection of almost 19 hamlets which rely heavily on animal husbandry as the main source of livelihood.

Located in Area C of the West Bank, under full Israeli administrative and military control, the area has been subjected to repeated Israeli violations by settlers and soldiers targeting their main source of living - livestock.

It has been designated as a closed Israeli military zone for training since 1980s and accordingly referred to as Firing Zone 918.

Israeli violations against the area include demolition of animal barns, homes and residential structures. Issuance of construction permits by Israel to local Palestinians in the area is non-existent.

K.F.