Hebron: Colonizers Demolish Agricultural Structures, Attack Residents – – IMEMC News

Report on Recent Incidents in Masafer Yatta and Beit Ummar, Occupied West Bank

Overview of Events

On Thursday, illegal paramilitary Israeli colonizers demolished two agricultural structures and confiscated their contents in Masafer Yatta, located south of Hebron. Concurrently, another group of colonizers pursued Palestinian residents and attempted assaults in the town of Beit Ummar, situated to the north, within the southern region of the occupied West Bank.

Details of the Demolition and Assaults

1. Invasion and Demolition in Masafer Yatta:
   • According to activist Osama Makhamra, colonizers from the “Havat Ma’on” illegal colony and the “Eschar Aman” outpost—both established on privately owned Palestinian land—invaded the Khallet Awwad area near Khirbet at‑Tuwani.
   • The colonizers demolished two agricultural shacks owned by Ismael Makhamra and his son Hassan.
   • They also stole the demolished structures along with the agricultural equipment stored inside.
2. Attacks and Land Seizure in Beit Ummar:
   • In the Khirbet al‑Qet area south of Beit Ummar, colonizers attacked Palestinian residents and obstructed their access to farmland.
   • Local sources reported that the same group had seized part of the area three days prior, installed a mobile home, and introduced livestock onto the land.
   • These actions have raised concerns among residents about the establishment of a new outpost, potentially leading to the confiscation of hundreds of dunams of privately owned Palestinian land.

Broader Context and Implications

• Residents and local officials warn that these incidents are part of a wider pattern of escalating violence by colonizers across the Hebron district.
• Colonizers, often operating under the protection of Israeli forces, have intensified attacks on farmers, shepherds, and rural communities.
• The objective appears to be the expansion of outposts and the restriction of Palestinian access to agricultural land.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The reported incidents directly impact several Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The destruction of agricultural infrastructure and theft of equipment undermine the livelihoods of Palestinian farmers, exacerbating poverty in rural communities.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Restricting access to farmland threatens food security and sustainable agriculture in the region.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The seizure of privately owned land and violence against Palestinian residents contribute to social and economic inequalities.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The escalation of violence and lack of protection for affected communities highlight challenges in ensuring peace and justice.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land – The destruction of agricultural land and infrastructure negatively affects sustainable land use and ecosystem health.

Conclusion

The ongoing violence and land confiscation in Masafer Yatta and Beit Ummar represent significant obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the occupied West Bank. Addressing these challenges requires urgent attention to protect the rights, livelihoods, and dignity of Palestinian communities while promoting sustainable and peaceful development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses the demolition of agricultural structures and the seizure of farmland, directly impacting food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The forced displacement and violence against Palestinian residents affect the sustainability and safety of communities.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article highlights illegal actions, violence, and lack of protection for residents, pointing to issues of justice, security, and rule of law.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – The destruction of agricultural land and structures impacts land use and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 – Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services, and upgrade slums.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
4. SDG 16 – Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
5. SDG 15 – Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

• Indicator for SDG 2.3: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture; income levels of small-scale food producers.
• Indicator for SDG 11.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.
• Indicator for SDG 16.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population; number of reported violent incidents.
• Indicator for SDG 16.3: Proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
• Indicator for SDG 15.3: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: imemc.org