Women at the Frontline: The Impact of Israeli Violations on Women Living in Masafer Yatta

Key Facts: 1- Masafer Yatta, located southeast of Yatta in the West Bank, consists of 22 Palestinian communities with over 4,000 residents. This area is subject to Israeli systematic violations including settlement expansion, home demolitions, and the control of water resources. 2- Numerous Israeli settlements and agricultural outposts have been established, covering 3,003 dunams of land in Masafer Yatta. These settlements have disrupted local Palestinian livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and livestock, contributing to economic insecurity. 3- In 1980, the Israeli military governor issued an order designating 15,000 dunums of Masafer Yatta as a military firing zone, later expanding the area under this designation. 4- The Israeli occupation uses administrative measures, relying on outdated legal frameworks like Article 119 of the Defense (Emergency) Regulations from 1945, to demolish Palestinian homes. In the first half of 2024, 45 demolitions occurred in Hebron, mainly in Masafer Yatta, severely affecting local families. 5- On May 4, 2022, the Israeli Supreme Military Court ruled in favour of the army, allowing the confiscation of over 30,000 dunums and the forced evacuation of Palestinians. 6- Israeli authorities have restricted Palestinian access to water, seizing 74 wells in Masafer Yatta and destroying 43 water sources between 2023 and mid-2024. This further exacerbates economic hardships and living conditions. 7- Women in Masafer Yatta bear the brunt of home demolitions and forced displacement, often becoming sole breadwinners when male family members are arrested or injured. This increases psychological stress, economic insecurity, and social vulnerability. 8- Economic hardships have intensified gender-based violence, as patriarchal norms intersect with occupation practices. School dropouts, early marriages, and limited educational opportunities for girls are prevalent, increasing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation. 9- Palestinian women face restricted access to education, healthcare, and social services due to the occupation’s control over resources and movement in Masafer Yatta. 10- Masafer Yatta faced an escalation in violations after October 7th under the Israeli pretext of security measures. This included home demolishing, cutting off water sources, closing main routes, and confiscatingmore lands, crops, and livestock. 11- After October 7th, the settlers’ attacks on Masafer Yatta significantly increased and became more systematic with the protection of the Israeli military forces, which resulted in the forcible displacement of Palestinians, home demolishing, and land and property confiscation. 12- Israeli settlers established three colonial outposts on the lands of Masafer Yatta in February 2024, the first on the lands of Khirbet Samri, the second on the lands of Khirbet al-Kharouba, and the third on the lands of Khirbet al-Dab’a. Each of these ensures the confiscation of more lands and the displacement of more Palestinians. READ FULL RESEARCH