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Masafer Yatta, a collection of Palestinian villages in the South Hebron Hills, is a region marked by its rugged beauty and the resilience of its people. This area faces ongoing challenges due to threats of displacement and ethnic cleansing by the Israeli army.  

The Reality in Masafer Yatta 

In the 1980s, the Israeli occupation designated Masafer Yatta as ‘Firing Zone 918’, a closed military zone. Since then, locals have faced the constant threat of forced eviction, demolition, and forcible transfer. As a result, the villages of Khirbet Sarura and Kharoubeh have been abandoned since 2000, when violent settlers drove the families out. 

Palestinians in Masafer Yatta depend on farming and shepherding for their livelihoods, but attacks from Israeli settlers, under the protection of the army, make life increasingly difficult. They are prevented from building infrastructure and lack access to essential services like water, electricity, and paved roads. 

Since October 7, the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem reports that 13 herding communities in the region have been displaced due to settler violence. 

Resilience and Hope 

The resilience of Masafer Yatta’s residents is evident in their daily lives and their unwavering commitment to their land and heritage. Through the combined efforts of residents, international allies, and organizations like the United Palestinian Appeal (UPA), there is hope that the heritage and way of life in Masafer Yatta can be preserved for future generations. 

UPA works on the ground to provide humanitarian assistance and support sustainable development projects for clean water access.