'Israel' seizes 80% of Palestinian lands near Jerusalem
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Settlers intensify attacks on Palestinian lands and property in Mukhmas, north of Jerusalem.
- Around 10,000 dunams of village land are inaccessible to residents, restricting agriculture and livestock.
A local official in Mukhmas, north of Jerusalem, said 'Israeli' settlers have escalated attacks on the village’s lands and residents’ property in recent weeks, aiming to seize control and force Palestinians out.
Land restrictions and settler attacks
Said Abu Ali, head of Mukhmas village council, told Al Jazeera that settlers continue to cut olive trees and prevent shepherds from accessing pastures. He added that settlers have repeatedly set up tents near the village and tried to block locals from reaching their farmland.
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Abu Ali said the village spans roughly 12,000 dunams, but residents are allowed access to only 2,000 dunams, leaving 10,000 dunams off-limits. He described the measures as part of a plan to encircle the village and turn it into a closed canton.
“These practices target the very livelihood of Palestinians,” Abu Ali said, noting that local farmers rely heavily on olive cultivation, wheat farming, and livestock. “The 'Israeli' restrictions strike directly at the Palestinian rural economy.”
Legal and diplomatic obstacles
Abu Ali noted that many Mukhmas residents hold US citizenship, but 'Israel' does not recognize dual nationality in the West Bank, treating holders solely as Palestinians. The council contacted the US embassy early on, but officials who visited offered no tangible support, he said.
“Despite all pressures, we will remain steadfast on our land, continue farming and herding, and will not leave the village no matter the challenges,” Abu Ali said.
Daily harassment
Farmer Abdelbaset Kanaan told Al Jazeera that settler harassment occurs daily. Settlers release cattle into olive fields and attack Palestinian shepherds to prevent grazing and cultivation.
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Kanaan said a new 'Israeli' outpost in the area has deprived locals of large portions of land. He noted that attacks often peak on Saturdays, including olive tree cutting, as recently happened when a farmer plowed his land.
Despite the risks, Kanaan affirmed, “We will not surrender. We will stay on our land no matter the cost, until God takes our lives from it.”
Context of settler expansion
Mukhmas, north of occupied Jerusalem, and surrounding Bedouin communities have faced increasing settler attacks in recent months amid ongoing 'Israeli' expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Settlers aim through these attacks to displace residents and take full control of the village lands near Ma’ale Mukhmas, Beisagot, and Adam settlements.
