Families in the Masafer Yatta region, near Hebron in the southern West Bank, are resorting to living in caves to escape escalating violence from Israeli settlers and military forces. The situation underscores the growing desperation of Palestinian communities facing displacement.
Khaled Al-Amour, a resident of Al-Rakiz, south of Hebron, explained the relentless nature of the attacks. “Settler violence haunts us day and night, with the aim of forcibly displacing us from our land,” he stated, highlighting the constant threat faced by residents.
Driven by the need for safety and shelter, families have been forced to excavate caves in the hills. These caves provide a rudimentary refuge from both the violence of settlers and the harsh winter conditions, particularly after homes have been demolished.
The winter season has compounded the suffering. Many families have lost their homes due to demolitions carried out by Israeli forces under the pretext of lacking building permits, while numerous others are under demolition orders. Al-Amour described the difficult living conditions within the caves. “I was forced to dig this cave to live in, but living inside it in the winter is very difficult because rain enters from the top of the ceiling, there is no safety in the cave’s roof, and water sometimes flows inside.”
Residents believe the ultimate goal is to displace Palestinian families and seize control of their land. Despite the hardships, Al-Amour asserted their determination to remain and protect their ancestral lands. He explained that the family’s home near the cave was demolished, and they are forbidden from rebuilding or even erecting a tent, facing heavy fines for violating military orders.
The nights are particularly challenging, with fears for the safety of children due to potential cave-ins or flooding caused by heavy rains, in addition to the ever-present threat of attacks. “What drives us to accept this difficult life is preserving the land and preventing it from being controlled for the benefit of the surrounding settlements,” Al-Amour emphasized. “The families will remain steadfast and will not give up the land of their fathers and grandfathers.”
Mahmoud Al-Amour, also from Al-Rakiz, echoed these sentiments from within his cave, surrounded by his children. “We were displaced from the difficulties of the occupation, and the difficulties of the cave in winter have haunted us.” He described the cave as unfit for living due to water intrusion and the danger of collapses caused by rainfall, especially when children are sleeping.
