Taybeh: In the Christian-majority Palestinian town of Taybeh, located in the central occupied West Bank, residents say Israeli occupier attacks are increasingly targeting their land, homes, and sources of income, putting further pressure on Palestinians determined to remain on their land.
According to Anadolu Agency, fears have grown since the Israeli army declared Taybeh a 'closed military zone' on August 9 for Israelis who do not live there, raising questions about how the order will be implemented and its impact on residents and surrounding areas. Taybeh is one of the most prominent Christian-majority Palestinian towns, known for its churches and religious and archaeological sites, while agriculture and tourism are important sources of income for some residents.
Father Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of the Latin church in Taybeh, reported that the town has faced repeated attacks by occupiers for months, targeting residents, homes, and agricultural land. 'The attacks included the destruction of farmland and the expansion of occupier presence in areas east, west, and south of the town,' he told Anadolu. 'The restrictions have affected the income of some residents, especially those working in agriculture, and pushed families and young people to emigrate,' he added. More than 15 families have left Taybeh over the past three years, with dozens of young people also leaving the country. Despite this, he expressed hope for a better future and the determination of residents to stay on their land.
Regarding the Israeli closure order, Fawadleh mentioned that the military order will remain in effect until July 2027. 'Residents still do not know how the decision will be implemented or what its impact will be on them and on areas around the town,' he said. The decision could also affect the area between the towns of Rammun and Deir Jarir, east of Ramallah.
Naif Kaabneh, a Palestinian from a Bedouin community adjacent to Taybeh, noted that attacks by occupiers have been ongoing for some time but have intensified recently. 'The attacks included raiding agricultural land and damaging crops, harvests, and residents' property,' he told Anadolu. Kaabneh said his land was damaged, including grape crops and other plants, adding that the incidents amount to attempts to expand the settler presence in the area.
Palestinian resident Umm Adi shared her experiences, stating that her life changed in 2023 when an occupier began grazing livestock in the area, leading to an expanded occupier presence. 'Repeated attacks have made life tense and frightening,' she said, adding that she is now afraid to stay away from her home for long periods. Despite the challenges, she affirmed, 'We will stay on our land despite the fear, the pressure, and the attacks by Israeli occupiers.'
Access for supporters of the Palestinian cause has become more difficult following the closure order. Peace activists used to visit the area to support Palestinians, but their access has been obstructed, with occupiers preventing some supporters from reaching the area. Foreign activist Moishila Alfonso, who visited Taybeh to support Palestinians, expressed concern about the situation of Palestinian families in the area.
The testimonies from Taybeh come amid escalating attacks by Israeli occupiers on Palestinians and their property across the occupied West Bank. According to the Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, occupiers carried out 3,488 attacks against Palestinians and their property during the first half of this year. The attacks include assaults on Palestinians, damage to homes and vehicles, uprooting trees, razing agricultural land, and establishing settlement outposts. Commission figures indicate that around 750,000 settlers live in 194 settlements and 400 settlement outposts across the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.