Palestinian farmers resist settler sabotage to protect Hebron crops
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Palestinian farmers in Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, are guarding their land daily against settler attacks, sheep releases, and military restrictions. Theeba al-Sabaa, 56, and Anwar Sabarneh, 59, describe livestock being driven into fields to destroy crops and demands for permits to work their own land. The intimidation has forced two of Sabarneh's brothers to abandon their land.
Key Facts
- Theeba al-Sabaa, 56, guards her farmland in Beit Ummar from dusk till dawn against settler encroachment.
- Anwar Sabarneh, 59, supports a family of 14 and owns vineyards located 300 metres from his home.
- Sabarneh's sheep have been locked in a barn for over eight months due to settler threats.
- Two of Sabarneh's seven brothers have been forced to abandon their land because of repeated settler violations.
Settler Livestock Attacks
Since mid-2024, settlers have established new outposts on hills near Theeba al-Sabaa's home in Beit Ummar. Settlers release sheep into her cultivated fields after plowing, and the animals trample crops and leave nothing behind. Anwar Sabarneh, whose vineyards are 300 metres from his home, faces similar livestock incursions. Sabarneh says settlers chase him, kidnap his sheep, and steal them whenever he takes the animals out.
Military Restrictions
The Israeli army demands permits from Palestinians to work on their own land, according to Sabarneh. Farmers are barred from building anything on their land. When Sabarneh's children tried to retrieve stolen sheep, Israeli soldiers arrested and beat them. The intimidation has forced two of Sabarneh's brothers to abandon their land.
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