Masafer Yatta: UN warns of new Palestinian displacement

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned of a new wave of displacement in Masafer Yatta, located in the southern West Bank. On September 8, Israeli authorities demolished 20 Palestinian homes and various supporting structures, including water tanks and solar panel systems, in two pastoralist communities.

The demolitions directly affected approximately 60 residents, including 30 children and 30 seasonal nomads. This incident follows a similar destruction of a nearby community on September 2. Many of the destroyed structures had reportedly been built using international donor aid.

Masafer Yatta is home to roughly 1,200 Palestinians across 13 communities in the Hebron hills. While Israel has designated the area as a military training zone, humanitarian organizations report increased violence from settlers following the establishment of nearby outposts. UN agencies and humanitarian partners visited the site on September 9 to provide emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food, and hygiene supplies.