The sword of expulsion is once again raised above the heads of herding communities in Masafer Yatta. The Israeli military regime spares no effort to make the lives of residents in the South Hebron Hills unbearable. From administrative harassment and demolition of homes and wells to water denial and forced expulsion, the occupation forces are trying to ethnically cleanse the area of its Palestinian residents. Alongside all this, Jewish settler terrorism, under the auspices of the IDF and police, has become routine in the area.
In the face of all this, the sons and daughters of the ancient communities of Masafer Yatta cling to their lands, hoping that their historic rights will be recognized and that their deep roots, traditional way of life, and unique culture will prevail over oppression and dispossession.
Further Information — Selected Publications
Numerous studies and position papers have been produced about the South Hebron Hills communities, their struggle, and Israel's conduct. On this page we have compiled the key documents for understanding the issue.
- Comprehensive report on the mass expulsion of 1999 — B'Tselem
- Report on recent and pending evacuations in Masafer Yatta including Firing Zone 918 — Thawra Aukhdeir
- Social report: Way of life of peasant-herder communities in Firing Zone 918 — Shuli Hartman
- Social report on the impact of renewable energy systems in Palestinian communities in the South Hebron Hills — Shuli Hartman
- Soldier testimonies from the South Hebron Hills — Breaking the Silence
- Health impact of Israeli measures to forcibly evict Masafer Yatta residents — Doctors Without Borders
