Settlers steal 80 sheep in Kafr Malik, east of Ramallah

Groups of settlers carried out a robbery operation today, Sunday, targeting livestock in the village of Kafr Malik, located east of Ramallah city. Local sources reported that the attackers seized about 80 sheep belonging to a Palestinian farmer in the area, amidst the escalating pace of systematic attacks targeting the livelihoods of Palestinians in the occupied rural areas.

Eyewitnesses stated that the settlers stormed the farm suddenly and brandished weapons at its owners, enabling them to forcibly lead the flock towards one of the settlement outposts established on the village's lands. This incident reflects the extent of the dangers faced by livestock breeders in the West Bank, as their properties have become a direct target for organized looting operations that take place under the eyes of the occupation forces.

Field observers believe that these thefts are not just random incidents, but rather part of a broader strategy aimed at pressuring the indigenous population to force them to leave their pastoral lands. These practices seek to empty areas classified as 'C' of Palestinian presence, in preparation for expanding the settlement area and gaining full control over natural resources and pastures in the Ramallah countryside.

Hundreds of Palestinian families who depend on livestock farming face existential livelihood threats as a result of these repeated attacks, which also include burning agricultural crops and cutting down ancient olive trees. These attacks often occur with direct protection from the occupation army, which provides cover for the settlers and prevents citizens from defending their property or recovering what was stolen from them by force of arms.

Amidst this escalation, residents of villages east of Ramallah renewed their demands for urgent international protection for farmers and citizens in areas threatened by settlement. Residents stressed that the failure of the occupation authorities to curb settler attacks contributes to deepening human and economic suffering, and opens the door to further violations affecting all aspects of life in the occupied West Bank.

Settlers stormed the farm and seized the livestock at gunpoint before retreating to a settlement outpost.