HEBRON, July 29, 2025 (WAFA) - Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday evening stormed the funeral procession of slain Palestinian Odeh Al-Hathalin, who succumbed today to critical wounds sustained after being shot by an Israeli colonist yesterday, in Khirbet Umm Al-Khair southeast of Yatta town in the Hebron Governorate.

According to Osama Makhamreh, a local activist, Israeli forces assaulted mourners attending the funeral of 31-year-old Al-Hathalin, forced them out, and declared the entire area a closed military zone.

During the raid, two foreign activists who were present to show solidarity with al-Hathalin's family were detained. Following the forceful dispersal, Israeli forces sealed off Khirbet Umm Al-Khair, preventing residents, activists, and representatives from human rights organizations from entering, even those en route to the mourning gathering.

Odeh Al-Hathalin, a respected teacher and human rights activist, was shot yesterday by a colonist. Al-Hathalin was attempting to prevent colonists’ incursion and bulldozing of Palestinian lands within the village when he was killed.

In a related development, Israeli colonists resumed excavation work in Khirbet Umm Al-Khair on Tuesday evening. These activities, conducted under heavy protection from Israeli forces, are aimed at expanding the "Carmel" colony, built illegally on privately owned Palestinian lands.

This ongoing work is part of a broader effort to impose a new colonial reality, further encroaching upon the Palestinian Bedouin presence in the region.

Khirbet Umm Al-Khair has faced a severe escalation of Israeli actions since the beginning of the year. Residents have endured land confiscation, home demolitions, physical assaults, and restricted access to vital water sources and pastures.

These actions are part of a systematic Israeli plan to forcibly displace the local population and depopulate Masafer Yatta of its indigenous inhabitants.

A.D./T.R.