Israel's illegal West Bank outpost cuts off Palestinian family's basic needs

In the West Bank village of Umm al-Khair, an illegal Israeli outpost erected right next to their home has made it impossible for the el-Hathaleen family to care for their animals and use their toilet. The family says they will not abandon their land despite mounting pressure from Israeli settlers.

Scraper SystemJuly 17, 2026, 10:32 PM

Israel's illegal West Bank outpost cuts off Palestinian family's basic needs

The Palestinian el-Hathaleen family, living in the village of Umm al-Khair in the Masafer Yatta area of the West Bank, lays bare how Israel's illegal settlement policies paralyze daily life. An illegal Israeli outpost set up just 20 meters from their home last September is blocking them from meeting their most basic needs.

Salem and Ikhlas el-Hathaleen, a couple with eight children, can no longer reach the pen right behind their home. The family, who used to graze, milk and feed their sheep, were able to check on their animals only three times in July. Ikhlas el-Hathaleen describes her despair: 'Every morning I look to see if the sheep are still alive.'

Even going to the toilet has become a risk

The family's struggle is not limited to their animals. They have also been cut off from the separate toilet structure a few meters from their home. Ikhlas el-Hathaleen says that in early July, settlers placed barbed wire and children's playground equipment around the toilet. The situation worsened when the Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone.

The family, including the youngest child who is one year old, now has to cross a risky road to use a neighbor's toilet. Ikhlas notes that last August, her five-year-old daughter Swar was injured while crossing the road used by settler vehicles. 'We will not leave our land,' says Ikhlas, adding, 'Even if we have to live in a tent or under a tree, we will stay here.'

Settler attacks and land grabs are increasing

Umm al-Khair has faced increasing settler attacks since October 2023, when Israel's war on Gaza began. Jewish settlers seeking to seize more land in the West Bank act without intervention from the Israeli state and often with encouragement from far-right leaders in the government.

An Israeli court ordered the evacuation of the illegal outpost next to Umm al-Khair last October, but the order was canceled after the Israeli army failed to enforce it. Local Palestinians have almost no means to resist the settlers.

Khalil el-Hathaleen, head of the Umm al-Khair village council, stresses that settlement expansion in the area has accelerated in recent years. Khalil reports that due to the harsh conditions, the number of animals in the village has dropped from 3,000 to 700, more than a thousand olive trees have been cut down, 50,000 square meters of farmland have been seized, and demolition orders have been issued for 14 homes and structures.

Hisham el-Sharbati, a researcher at the Jerusalem Legal Aid and Human Rights Center, says the actions of Israel and the settlers are in direct violation of international law. El-Sharbati adds, 'The humanitarian impact is visible in every detail of daily life, from difficulties accessing sources of income to restrictions affecting homes and basic facilities.'

Children's childhoods are being stolen

Ahmed el-Hathaleen, a village resident, has created an archive of about 1,500 videos and 1,200 photos since April 2025 to document Israeli violations. The 31-year-old father of three says children are the most affected by the situation, with some having nightmares due to the surrounding environment.

Twelve-year-old Sahm Khalil el-Hathaleen says children in the community have lost much of their normal childhood, especially their right to education and safe play areas. Sahm recounts seeing children in nearby Israeli settlements living normal lives, while he wakes up in fear when he hears a sound outside at night. 'Fear,' says Sahm, 'has become part of our daily lives.'

Israel's illegal West Bank outpost cuts off Palestinian family's basic needs