Every morning in the region is fraught with tension—an atmosphere thick enough to feel like static. Recent events have heightened the stakes, making caution essential for anyone venturing into the hills.
The sun was already scorching, illuminating the quiet land. The sounds of animals and men whistling to summon dogs filled the air.
Across the way loomed the Jewish settlement of Rotem, accompanied by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) post designed to protect the settlers.
A gathering was forming at the home of Ahmad Daraghme, a Palestinian shepherd, flanked by Israeli activists and foreign journalists.
Among them was a 71-year-old Israeli who consistently stands shoulder to shoulder with Ahmad, braving violence and harassment. “When I believe in something, I stand my ground,” he asserts.
This activist is part of a group committed to safeguarding Palestinians by accompanying them to their grazing lands.
Amid an uptick in settler violence following recent escalations, the presence of settlers remains a constant worry during Ahmad’s morning routine.
Settler violence—a persistent issue in the West Bank—has sharply increased. Palestinians believe it is aimed at forcibly displacing them.
Statistics from humanitarian organizations reveal over 1,000 attacks against Palestinians since early October, resulting in widespread displacement.
Such violence has not only targeted individuals but has resulted in fatalities and property destruction, with extensive damage inflicted on Palestinian farmland.
Farmers like Ahmad are routinely facing restricted access to vital water resources for their families and livestock.
While international focus has been largely on Gaza, the alarming scale of settler violence prompted actions from several countries, including sanctions against specific leaders and settlements.
Amid such provocations, the activists remain committed to maintaining composure as tensions simmer.
Despite the risks, one activist remains optimistic, emphasizing the satisfaction gained from preventing assaults.
Ahmad Daraghme, who has faced relentless harassment, suggests that the Israeli military and police often align with the settlers—a sentiment echoed by human rights advocates.
“Every inch of this land is becoming off-limits to us; we face obstacles regardless of official permissions,” Ahmad laments as he leads his flock through prime grazing territory.
What looks like a picturesque landscape is, in truth, a battleground.
Last December, an attack on Ahmad and his companions resulted in severe injuries, underscoring the daily dangers they face.
Gil’s chronic exposure to threats is exacerbated by the settlers’ disdain towards him, especially as a religious Jew advocating for Palestinian rights.
Gil views himself as a humanitarian advocate, believing in the necessity of coexistence in the region.
The Palestinians have endured occupation since 1967, with settlements expanding significantly since that time, displacing millions.
For Gil, the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the pre-1967 borders, is a pathway to resolution.
“True love for this land doesn’t require exclusive ownership; we must negotiate fair access to ensure cohabitation,” he asserts.
He believes this approach is key to ending a century-long conflict.
However, the current political era, characterized by a far-right government, challenges any prospects for peace.
Recent indications of significant settlement expansion have raised alarms among critics of Israeli policies.
The contentions surrounding legal and humanitarian ramifications of these actions are intensifying, with top courts labeling the situation as “de-facto annexation.”
Ahmad articulates the harsh restrictions they face on traditional grazing lands, furthering tensions in the region.
The political landscape favors settlers, as governmental decisions increasingly reject the notion of a Palestinian state, framing it as a security threat to Israel.
Voices of dissent are being met with consequences, with many viewing activists as a barrier to a unified cultural narrative.
This complex dynamic highlights the stark divisions that continue to shape the region as both sides grapple for recognition and safety.
The path forward remains fraught with challenges, as extremism on both ends complicates the pursuit of peace. However, for those like Gil, who stand alongside voices advocating for justice, hope persists.
“This ongoing conflict thrives on war; we must seek different routes if we wish to endure,” he concludes.
