Palestinian Farmers Face Challenges from Settler Activities in Hebron

Farmers in the West Bank are facing ongoing challenges due to settler activities, including theft and military restrictions, as they work to protect their agricultural lands. Theeba al-Sabaa, a 56-year-old farmer from Beit Ummar, has been guarding her home and farmland against encroaching settler outposts that have emerged since mid-2024. She emphasizes her determination to maintain her rights to the land she has cultivated. "By God, the land has taught me patience, and to cling to my right, for as long as I have a right, I must take it and never let it go," she stated. Settlers have reportedly been releasing livestock onto her fields, damaging crops. Anwar Sabarneh, another farmer, has experienced similar issues, noting that two of his brothers have abandoned their land due to settler violations. He described the challenges of obtaining permits from the Israeli army to work on his own property. The situation has also led to restrictions on building and keeping livestock, with reports of settlers stealing sheep and attacking farmers. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, there were 11,074 attacks in the West Bank in the first half of 2026, including 3,488 by settlers. Hasan Breijieh, a settlement affairs expert, highlighted that continuous settlement expansion and movement restrictions are driving many Palestinians away from their farms. He noted that military gates and bypass roads have further complicated access to agricultural areas. As a result, farmers have faced multiple seasons without harvesting key crops, leading to abandonment of their lands. Despite these challenges, Palestinian women like Theeba al-Sabaa are playing crucial roles in safeguarding their agricultural heritage, especially in the absence of male family members due to violence or detention. Breijieh remarked on the historical significance of the land for Palestinian livelihoods, stating that leaving it voluntarily is not an option for many families.