Samarra: A normal workday for settlers – entering Palestinian homes and running amok
Samra: This was a typical day in which settlers entered the Palestinians’ community and harassed them. We were present in Samra as protection from 07:30 AM to 3:30 PM. It was hot and quiet without any incidents. The shepherds left with the flocks while we remained with the two families. The day’s activities included the usual cleaning, games, art projects, meals, and talking.
Each week they tell us about the daily visits by the settlers and what took place. There have been no changes. The settlers arrive in their ATV’s, drive around, and come in through the entrance or through the herds of animals. This is their “work” and their daily routine.
We continued on to Einh El Hilweh to distribute grants for students. We met one of the son whose home had been demolished, and he spoke out aggressively against distributing the money. It was almost impossible to explain to him that there are other issues besides the house demolition.
From there we continued on to visit Khalat Makhul where we visited with Rima’s delightful children.
The issue of the occupation is always present and we wish it did not exist. The national story will always be present whether we want it or not.
The coming week will be difficult. The court is about to receive the government’s answer regarding the upcoming demolition of homes in the Jordan Valley and God knows what they will decide to do. This implies the demolition of all the homes in Khalat Makhul and in Ein El Hilweh.
Location Description
'Ein al-Hilwe
See all reports for this place-
Ein al-Hilwe is a natural spring and a Palestinian grazing area in the Jordan Valley that was used by the Palestinian shepherd communities for watering their flocks and for daily use. As of 2021, settlers from the Maskyot settlement took control of the spring: they fenced it off, built a wading pool and a mikveh, and installed flags and recreational facilities.
Palestinians are effectively denied access to the spring, and are forced to make do with running water in a remote wadi or, when the road is blocked, buy water from vendors at high prices.
The spring is located in the heart of an area where illegal outposts are being established, as part of a broader trend of pushing Palestinian communities away by denying them access to essential resources. Neighboring communities such as Umm Jamal and Khirbet Samra have already left due to the pressure.
Over the years, MachsomWatch members have reported arrests on false claims by settlers, harassment and violence, including damage to herds, intrusion into homes, and the intimidation of children. MachsomWatch volunteers participate in a protective presence in areas around the spring to prevent harassment of shepherds due to the presence of settlers.
-
Khalet Makhul
See all reports for this place-
Khalet Makhul
A small settlement of a shepherd community located on the way to the settlement of Hemdat. Two nearby outposts make life miserable for the Palestinians, who make a living from grazing, and the army backs the settlers. As a result, the possible grazing areas are getting smaller.
The local children attend school in the settlement of Ein Al-Beida. Long lines of 3 hours sometimes stretch out at the Hamra and Tayasir checkpoints leading to the town of Tubas, making it difficult to get water, supplies, and sell the cheese, milk, and meat that the residents produce for their living.
Following a deadly attack at the Tayasir checkpoint in February 2025, the checkpoint was closed completely for the time being.
(Updated March 2025)
-
Khirbet Samrah
See all reports for this place
