Last Friday (06.09.24) Peace Now, Breaking the Silence, and Mothers Against Violence joined forces for a significant solidarity visit to the Palestinian community of Zanuta in South Hebron Hills, in the occupied West Bank. The visit, attended by dozens of activists, sheds light on the severe consequences of settler violence in the area.
Zanuta, a small community of Palestinian farmers and shepherds, was forced to abandon their land following a series of violent attacks by settlers, exacerbated by the ongoing war. Since the outbreak of the war, the settlers have taken their aggression a step further by destroying homes and even the local school, leaving the residents with nothing to return to.
The threats against the residents have significantly intensified in recent years, particularly since Yinon Levy established the Matarim Farm nearby. As a reminder, Yinon Levy is subject to sanctions from the U.S., European countries, and others.
During their absence, most of the structures in the village, including the school, were destroyed. At one point, settlers even fenced off part of the land. Now it’s being rebuilt by activists and volunteers.
But a month ago, the Supreme Court intervened, ordering the state to allow the residents to return to their land, and emphasizing that security forces are obligated to protect them from settler terrorism.
Two weeks ago, the community’s emotional return began, but settler terror quickly followed. We stand in solidarity with the people of Zanuta as they fight for their land.
The shadow of settler terrorism looms over us all. We must witness firsthand what ethnic cleansing looks like, and how the reality of annexation in the occupied West Bank is accelerating—with the support of the government and funded by our taxes.
Thanks to Mothers Against Violence, we brought essential supplies, including school materials for the children and other basic necessities for the community.
