HEBRON, October 12, 2026 (WAFA) – Colonists today attacked Palestinians picking olives and blocked schoolchildren from returning to their homes in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, according to a local activist.

Activist Osama Makhamreh told WAFA that a group of colonists attacked members of the al-Na'ameen family while they were picking olives in Khirbet Aqawawis in Masafer Yatta and attempted to seize their equipment, preventing them from continuing to harvest their crops.

He added that another group of colonists blocked a road as several students were attempting to return to their homes in Khirbet al-Halawa. The colonists prevented vehicles from reaching the students and transporting them, forcing them to return to their school in the al-Fakhit area.

Makhamreh explained that these students, along with others, live in scattered residential communities and must travel daily to the al-Fakhit area to attend school, as Israeli authorities prevent the construction of schools in their home communities.

He noted that the students are repeatedly subjected to colonist attacks while traveling to and from school.

Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, has witnessed repeated colonist attacks against Palestinians, their property and agricultural land. These attacks include targeting farmers and shepherds, attempts to seize land, and restrictions on Bedouin and pastoral communities.

Students in marginalized communities also face difficulties reaching their schools amid restrictions on construction and movement, threatening their ability to attend school regularly and their safety during their daily journeys.

T.R.