The opinions expressed in this essay are the author’s own.
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About the PhotographerMojahed Shriteh born in 2001 in Yatta, Palestine, where he resides. Although he is currently unemployed, he volunteers with local ambulance services and at children's recreation centers, contributing his time and energy to support his community during this difficult time. |
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View of Masafer Yatta from Khirbet Khallet Al-Dabaa. © Mojahed Shriteh
Masafer Yatta is a cluster of rural Palestinian villages, referred to as amulets, in the South Hebron Hills, part of Area C in the West Bank. Since the 1980s, the IDF has claimed part of this land as a Firing Zone, aiming to evict the residents, mostly shepherds and farmers. The military argues that these villagers lack permanent residency due to their nomadic lifestyle and seasonal settlements in natural caves.
Despite the region's harsh, mountainous terrain, extremist settlers frequently attack Palestinians there. Activists note the area’s appeal to the Israeli military and hard-liners due to its sparse Palestinian population over a large area, making it easier for Israel to assert control and push for relocation to denser cities.
Mojahed is documenting the harsh living conditions and relentless displacement and harassment faced by his people in Masafer Yatta, shedding light on their struggle to remain on their land.
Despite the region's harsh, mountainous terrain, extremist settlers frequently attack Palestinians there. Activists note the area’s appeal to the Israeli military and hard-liners due to its sparse Palestinian population over a large area, making it easier for Israel to assert control and push for relocation to denser cities.
Mojahed is documenting the harsh living conditions and relentless displacement and harassment faced by his people in Masafer Yatta, shedding light on their struggle to remain on their land.
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