Palestinians Forced Out by Israeli Settlers Return to Devastated Village

In a remote area in the West Bank, the Palestinian community of Khirbet Zanuta faced tremendous challenges after being threatened by Israeli settlers. They were eventually forced to flee their village due to the ongoing violence. However, this summer, Israel’s highest court ruled in favor of the displaced residents, granting them the right to return to their land under Israeli protection.

Upon their return, the villagers of Khirbet Zanuta found their village in ruins, with most houses, a health clinic, and a school destroyed. Despite the devastation and ongoing threats from settlers attempting to intimidate them, around 150 former residents have chosen to come back, determined to rebuild and remain on their land.

The village council head, Fayez Suliman Tel, expressed a mix of emotions, acknowledging the challenges they face but highlighting their resilience and determination to stay in their homeland. The villagers reported receiving death threats from the settlers prior to their initial departure, with little assistance from Israeli police.

The ongoing settler violence in the region has displaced over 1,500 Palestinians since a specific attack in October, with Khirbet Zanuta being a rare case where residents were granted permission to return by a court. Despite legal protection, the villagers continue to face intimidation and surveillance from settlers, hindering their efforts to rebuild their community.

The situation in Khirbet Zanuta sheds light on the limited effectiveness of international sanctions to mitigate settler violence in the West Bank. The villagers are restricted from constructing new buildings in the village due to its classification as an archaeological zone, leaving their future uncertain.

Despite the challenges, the residents are working to repair and renovate the damaged structures in the village, aiming to make the school operational before winter. Governor Khaled Doudin emphasized the importance of restoring their community and preventing further demolitions by the occupation forces. The story of Khirbet Zanuta illustrates the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian communities in the region due to settler violence and displacement.