West Bank Village's Bittersweet Return Amid Ongoing Settler Threats

In the heart of the West Bank, the Palestinian community of Khirbet Zanuta faces a challenging return to their ancestral lands. After fleeing in fall 2023 due to threats from nearby settlers, residents were granted the right to return by Israel's highest court in summer 2024. However, their homecoming has been marred by destruction and ongoing intimidation.

Fayez Suliman Tel, head of the village council, describes the situation as "extremely miserable." Despite the hardships, he emphasizes their determination to rebuild and remain on their land. The village, located in Area C of the West Bank, which has been under full Israeli control since the 1993 Oslo Accords, exemplifies the complex issues surrounding land rights in occupied territories.

The villagers' plight highlights the persistent problem of settler violence, which has escalated since October 7, 2023. According to United Nations data, over 1,500 Palestinians have been displaced due to such violence in the past 11 months. Khirbet Zanuta's case is unique, as it represents one of the few instances where displaced residents have received court permission to return.

The destruction of Khirbet Zanuta's infrastructure during the residents' absence has left many struggling to rebuild their lives. Fayez Fares Al Samareh, a 57-year-old shepherd, returned to find his house bulldozed. The community now faces the challenge of reconstructing homes, a health clinic, and a school, all while contending with legal restrictions on new construction due to the area's archaeological designation.

"We will renovate these buildings so that they are qualified to receive students before winter sets in. And after that we will continue to rehabilitate it, so that we do not give the occupation the opportunity to demolish it again."

The situation in Khirbet Zanuta reflects broader issues in the West Bank, where Palestinian communities often face restrictions on movement, limited access to water resources, and economic challenges due to the occupation. The Israeli barrier, deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice, further complicates the landscape.

International efforts to address settler violence have had limited impact. Recent sanctions targeting individuals and organizations involved in settlement activities, including those affecting Khirbet Zanuta, demonstrate the global concern over the issue. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable as intimidation continues.

As the residents of Khirbet Zanuta strive to rebuild their lives, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Their resilience in the face of adversity underscores the complex interplay of legal, political, and humanitarian issues that define life in the occupied territories.