in the West Bank, residents are trying to prevent the destruction of their villages under siege by Israeli settlers

In the village of Umm al-Khair, south of Hebron, residents received final demolition orders from Israeli authorities for around ten houses, which they say is a prerequisite for the expansion of the adjacent colony.

Although Mahmoud Abbas is expected to attend the Élysée on Tuesday, November 11, in the occupied West Bank, violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers is reaching unprecedented levels. With 264 attacks recorded in October 2025, this was the most violent month since the UN began monitoring this violence in 2006. Violence that is often a prerequisite for the annexation of Palestinian land, as occurred in the Bedouin villages ofUmm al-Khair, located in the hills south of Hebron.

In late October, Israeli authorities posted a final demolition notice on the Salem Gate. With a somber look, he muttered that he would pitch a tent, if necessary, to stay at home. He watched his children get rowdy on the swings at the community centerUmm al-Khairalso threatened with demolition. “This center is life, it is oxygen. There are clinics, kindergartens… Destroying them is like cutting our blood vessels”complained Salem.

The Karmael settlement, which is illegal under international law, is 50 meters away. Established in 1981, it overlooks the children’s play area, which “come here to play, get health care”explained Eid Hathaleen, committed to the survival of her village. “Something must be done to prevent its destruction”that will influence “entire community”he pleaded. Most importantly, according to Eid al-Fitr, “The idea behind all this demolition is to tear down the community center and the houses to create open space between the large settlements and the new outposts, so that Palestinians no longer have a place to live.”

The new outpost, which is illegal under Israeli law, consists of several caravans set up a month ago by settlers, adjacent to the community center and Salem homes. Since then, the village has been under siege, explained its mayor, Khalil, whose brother was killed by a settler last July. “They tried to cut off your services, carried out demolitions, arrests, attacks… Until we left quietly”mayor’s estimate.

“As a Palestinian community, you are an obstacle to settlement plans.”

Khalil, mayor of Umm al-Khair

at franceinfo

When Israeli army Jeeps patrolled the village, Khalil denounced the role of soldiers who he said were participating in the continuation of colonialism. “Today, the settlers act with complete impunity. The army and police are doing everything to protect them. On the ground, they are expanding their outposts and grabbing Palestinian land, without any control.”

Despite many lawsuits filed by the communityUmm al-Khairthere are currently more than 150 people waiting for the bulldozers to arrive.