A young Palestinian boy has recounted his experience of facing off against an Israeli settler near Hebron in the southern West Bank. Mahmoud Hamamda described how he bravely confronted the settler on his family’s land, preventing him from further encroachment.
According to Mahmoud, the incident occurred in the “Fatah Sidr” area of Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron. He stated that the settler attempted to push the family’s sheep and prevent them from accessing grazing areas near their homes. Mahmoud asserted that he stood his ground, preventing the settler from advancing.
He further explained that prior to the confrontation, settlers had taunted and verbally abused the family. One settler, identified as “Shimon,” allegedly entered the family’s property and engaged in provocative behavior. Mahmoud said his cousin intervened, but Israeli occupation forces arrived and arrested him, taking him to the “Susya” settlement.
Mahmoud emphasized that settlers frequently prevent the family from accessing their pastures and water well, in addition to repeated attacks on their livestock. Despite the daily harassment, he affirmed that his family remains steadfast and will not abandon their land.
Mahmoud’s father, Farid Hamamda, spoke about the significant hardships the family faces due to the settlers and the occupation. He stated that they are often denied access to their land and prevented from feeding their sheep, forcing them to remain confined to their home amidst constant attacks. He also alleged that occupation forces protect the settlers with the aim of displacing the family.
“Just an hour ago, the settler was at our doorstep, and now he is inside our land, grazing his sheep on my neighbor’s property,” Farid stated, emphasizing that the attacks occur day and night. He added that settlers frequently invade the area surrounding their home with their sheep and tractors, and obstruct the family and their children’s path to school.
Farid concluded by stating, “We are steadfast and patient, like all the Palestinian people. The occupation’s goal is displacement. We will either live above the ground or be martyrs beneath it.”
