Palestinian Family Fights Against Land Confiscation in Al-Makhrour Valley
In the heart of Bethlehem, the Qaisiya family has been locked in a battle to protect their ancestral land in the Al-Makhrour Valley from Israeli settlers. This land, known as "Beit Jala Paradise" for its lush fruit trees and springs, is a vital resource for the local community, especially as settlement projects continue to encroach upon Bethlehem. Despite holding official ownership documents for decades, the family faces ongoing demolition attempts and military restrictions that threaten their livelihood and heritage.
The Qaisiya family, alongside solidarity activists from around the globe, has set up a tent near their land to protest the occupation's efforts to seize their property. The family owns approximately 4 dunums (1,000 square meters) of land, which settlers attempted to claim using forged documents. Amira Qaisiya, a family member, describes the relentless struggle against the occupation, which has seen 16 demolition operations targeting their facilities since 2019. The occupation army has declared the area a "closed military zone," further complicating their efforts to access their land.
Settler Expansion and International Response
The ongoing land appropriation in the Al-Makhrour area has intensified with the announcement of a new settlement named "Nahal Haletz." This initiative aims to create a connection between existing settlements in Jerusalem and the southern regions of Bethlehem and Hebron. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's policies have emboldened settlers, leading to increased efforts to control agricultural lands and establish new settlements.
International attention has been drawn to the plight of the Qaisiya family, especially following a visit from the French Consul in Jerusalem, who expressed solidarity with the family and condemned the illegality of Israeli settlements. The Qaisiya family, which holds French citizenship, continues to resist attempts to intimidate them, including legal summons for family members following complaints from settlers. As the situation escalates, the struggle for land rights in Al-Makhrour remains a critical issue for Palestinians and their allies.
- The Qaisiya family's legal battles have been ongoing, with previous court rulings favoring them in disputes over land ownership. However, the increasing support from settlement organizations complicates their situation. The land in question holds not only agricultural value but also cultural and historical significance, as it is part of the region's rich heritage. The Palestinian Authority has classified the area as 'Area C,' which is under full Israeli military control, making it a focal point for settlement expansion. Furthermore, the Israeli government's approval of new settlement plans highlights the ongoing tension between settlers and Palestinian landowners. Activists continue to rally support for the Qaisiya family, emphasizing the need for international intervention to uphold Palestinian rights in the face of aggressive land confiscation policies.
