HEBRON, June 9, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces on Tuesday detained a Palestinian for trying to fend off a colonist assault in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, according to an activist.
Osama Makhamra said that the gun-toting soldiers rounded up a Palestinian for attempting to confront a mob of Israeli colonists who attacked a group of a Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) delegation touring the area.
The YMCA delegation was touring the vulnerable community of Wadi al-Rakhim to witness at first-hand the suffering of the inhabitants.
The detainee also attempted to prevent the colonist mob from herding their sheep on cultivated land around his dwelling.
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.
