Summary
Israeli settlers have caused many Palestinian families to leave the village of Ras Ein al-Auja in the occupied West Bank. Settler violence and activities have pushed out hundreds of people from their homes and taken over resources like water and land. The situation is part of a larger issue involving settlement expansions in the West Bank.
Key Facts
- Israeli settlers have been celebrating while many Palestinian families have left Ras Ein al-Auja.
- About 450 of the 650 residents of the village have fled due to violence from settlers.
- The village was one of the last Palestinian herding communities in the Jordan Valley, but settlers have cut off water and taken livestock.
- Families have dismantled their homes and left nothing for settlers to use.
- Settlements and outposts in the West Bank have grown by almost 50% since 2022.
- Israeli laws consider these settlements illegal, but they are often tolerated and protected by Israeli authorities.
- New types of "shepherding outposts" have emerged, mimicking Bedouin life and seizing land by grazing livestock.
- As of the latest data, settlers have taken over about 14% of the West Bank.
