Palestinian farmers in Hebron are facing increasing challenges as settler attacks disrupt their agricultural activities. Theeba al-Sabaa, a 56-year-old farmer, spends her days safeguarding her crops from settlers who frequently invade her land, releasing livestock to graze on her hard-earned produce. This harassment not only threatens her livelihood but also reflects a broader strategy of agricultural sabotage in the region.
The situation has escalated since new settler outposts were established nearby, leading to heightened military restrictions that complicate farmers’ access to their own land. Many, like Anwar Sabarneh, have been forced to abandon their fields due to the dangers posed by settlers and the Israeli army’s demands for permits to work on their own property. This has left families struggling to maintain their agricultural legacy.
Recent reports indicate that in the first half of 2026 alone, there were over 11,000 attacks in the West Bank, with a significant portion attributed to settlers. These assaults are part of a systematic effort to undermine Palestinian agriculture, exacerbated by the construction of military gates and bypass roads that isolate communities from their fields.
Despite these challenges, Palestinian women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in defending their land. As the agricultural crisis deepens, their resilience is crucial in preserving the cultural and economic fabric of their communities, ensuring that the connection to their land remains intact even amid adversity.
Source: Al Jazeera
