The community are mostly herders who raise goats and sheep through the barren landscape’s scorching summers and freezing winters, and who have steadfastly refused to leave their homes despite the mounting difficulties posed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers on one hand and radical Israeli settlers on the other.
But after weeks of intense settler violence in the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, Zanuta’s 150 residents have made a collective decision to leave. Armed settlers – some in reservist army uniforms, some covering their faces – have begun breaking into their homes at night, beating up adults, destroying and stealing belongings, and terrifying the children.
After decades of a desperate fight to cling on to their land, the community has decided they have lost.
On Monday, men and women cried as they dismantled their homes and haphazardly packed solar panels, animal feed and personal belongings on to pickup trucks. The noise of the demolition drowned out the bleating from the animal pens and threw up dust and debris that tore at the eyes and throat.
“It is a new Nakba,” said Issa Ahmad Baghdad, 71, referring to the expulsion of 700,000 Palestinians in 1948 after the creation of Israel. “My family are going to Rafat. But we don’t know anyone there. We don’t know what to tell the children.”
In the Gaza Strip, where Israel has launched a campaign to destroy Hamas, the militant group that killed 1,400 people on its rampage through southern Israel, trapped civilians cannot leave; in the West Bank, they are being forced from their homes.
This story is from the November 01, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 01, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Doors can creak'
Locals spooked by paranormal in Adele's village
British Council could disappear within a decade, warns CEO
The British Council and World Service are two major British soft power institutions that serve as force multipliers for the UK
Sentencing International law restricts whole-life terms - No 10
Downing Street has rejected calls for sentencing reforms, saying it does not have the power to extend whole-life sentences to killers aged under 18 because of international law.
Even in the new world of self-interest and force, Britain's soft power remains vital
The British Council and World Service are two major British soft power institutions that serve as force multipliers for the UK
The future of urban travel? My day out in a goofy yellow golf buggy
My day out in a goofy yellow golf buggy
Streeting: It's Time to Fight Battle of Ideas Against Rightwing Populists
Wes Streeting is to criticise Nigel Farage for pushing a \"miserabilist, declinist\" vision of Britain, arguing it is time to start fighting a battle of ideas against the rightwing populists.
Labour seeks deal to downsize Lords and avoid delays to bills
Labour is looking to strike a deal in the House of Lords on cutting the size of the chamber in an effort to avoid further legislation, the Guardian has learned.
Rescuers of Thames Water seek 'clean slate' on debt pile
Thames Water's potential rescuers are seeking a clean break with the company's past before they commit fresh funds, with some demanding a temporary renationalisation to help cut debts and replace bosses, the Guardian can reveal.
Travel and power hit as Éowyn rages in UK and Ireland
More than 1,000 flights were cancelled and a number of main roads closed yesterday as millions of people in the UK and Ireland were asked to stay home amid red \"danger to life\" warnings because of a rare \"weather bomb\" brought by Storm Éowyn.
Saudi Arabia Asks Hans Zimmer to Rearrange National Anthem
Saudi Arabia has asked the Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to recreate its national anthem, a senior official said, as the kingdom steps up its image makeover.