The car knows the way. Pleasant autumn air. Shoes, an almost-sweater, and off we go, driving into the rising sun. We dropped supplies in Mak’hul for Hadidiya. Then continue to Samra: earth, stones, clouds.

For now, the place is still standing. There is no going out to pasture. The hay bales are scattered at intervals, and the herd arranges itself so there is room for everyone. Each bale has a goat claiming its spot.

After coffee and morning conversations, we are called to join the women of Hadidiya for the olive harvest. This is the only community that has managed to grow olive trees. The ground is covered with old irrigation pipes. They were unable to irrigate this year, so the olives are very small.

Two families, with their children and wives, two men, a ladder, and us. A small plot, most of which has already been harvested.

A few hundred metres away, the new outpost is visible, with its even newer houses. It keeps growing and expanding. The livestock shed was built right inside Hadidiya’s land.

We return to Samra. Rafa brings water to the tanks; someone else comes to buy lambs. Everyday life. A quiet, peaceful day.

Later, we stop briefly at Mak’hul and head home. They say the army has told the settlers not to interfere, and this arrangement has held for two days already.