Accompaniers in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jordan Valley report increased violence

Rubble of a demolished Palestinian home in Tuqu', Bethlehem governorate, 2024. Photo: S Gebauer/WCC 22.10.2024

Source: WCC

Reports from the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC-EAPPI) reveal that Palestinian communities are defenseless against violence by illegal settlers and are living in fear.

A group of accompaniers documenting human rights violations from 12 September-10 October in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Jordan Valley found violence, displacement, and denial of access, among other violations. The accompaniers filed 444 incident reports, out of which 335 were referred for followup and immediate assistance by the International Committee of the Red Cross; as well as Israeli, Palestinian, international, and United Nations organizations.

An example reported in Bethlehem was, on 8 October, when Khallet al Louza community members said they were attacked and beaten by settlers and soldiers several times a week. They reported they can no longer go to the fields or olive trees, or let the sheep out to graze. The men said they are afraid to go to work and leave the women and children alone, and that they are concerned for the security of the women and children also at night, because of the violent attacks, tear gas, and shootings. The men spoke of three attacks during the previous five days. They said that they are in dire need of protection, more so after an attack at night when the community's water pipes were damaged.

In Jerusalem, as another example, Bedouins in the Khan Al Ahmar - Abu Al Hilou area complained of increased attacks by settlers against school boys and girls. The settlers are targeting a particular road used by children on their way to school. A Bedouin leader said this is a sign of increased settler harassment, and he is afraid that eventually school children will not be allowed to use the road.

Another example, in the Jordan Valley, occurred on 11 October. A Bedouin woman from Hammamat Al Maleh described her harsh living conditions and the fear created by settler violence. She said that she cannot be away from home for a long time or leave her animals vulnerable to settler and army incursions. The woman feels that she is under surveillance all the time, and that drone surveillance could mean an impending demolition. A settler head of security often drives around and takes photos or videos of Palestinian homes. She went on to say that, due to settler violence, Palestinians are no longer using the nearby water spring. She tells also about an incident when a settler pointed a gun at her husband's chest, and the people started running away in panic-some of them without shoes.

The accompaniers also reported positive feedback from the communities they visited. A Bedouin leader from Jabal Al Baba said that he appreciates the ecumenical accompaniers because they visit the community.

The director of schools in the Jericho said: "We are really glad to see you at the school after it was attacked."

The local church leadership, receiving these reports, signaled the importance of communication with diplomats and governments within WCC-EAPPI advocacy work.