HEBRON, May 7, 2026 (WAFA) – Armed Israeli colonists damaged on Thursday several trees and crops and chased Palestinian shepherds in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.

Activist Osama Makhameh told WAFA that a group of armed colonists released their livestock among farmers' trees in Wadi al-Rakhim, south of Yatta, damaging and uprooting multiple olive saplings belonging to resident Nidal Shanran.

The colonists, under the protection of Israeli army, also chased farmers and shepherds in the areas of Umm al-Qubur, Wadi al-Jawaya, and Rajoum A'ali in Masafer Yatta, forcing them to leave their land and preventing them from accessing it.

The colonists then let their livestock into the farmers' fields and orchards, resulting in significant crop damage.

Colonists, guarded by Israeli forces, have recently intensified their pursuit of farmers and shepherds, preventing them from accessing their lands and depriving them of their crops.

Makhamara warned that such actions would pose a serious threat to the ability of residents  to maintain livestock, which serves as the primary source of income for many residents in the area.

Y.S