Published:
February 3, 2025
News Posts
Subject: Situation Report on Beit Ummar – Past Week 01/29/2025
Arrests in Beit Ummar
Over the past week, two waves of arrests took place in Beit Ummar. The first arrests wave included elderly individuals and their sons, used as a means of exerting pressure on the Palestinian population.
In the second wave, Israeli forces detained 20 individuals, most of whom were previously imprisoned and released, only to be re-arrested.
Demolition Orders
Two months ago, Israeli authorities demolished two homes and an agricultural well in Beit Ummar. Last week, demolition orders were issued for six additional homes. These homes are located in areas classified as Zone B, and their owners were given a 10-day deadline to vacate before demolition begins.
These actions are part of a broader policy of forced displacement, particularly as the new U.S. administration promotes the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan, and other parts of the world.
Furthermore, the Israeli government has greenlit the settler council’s plans to expand settlements in the West Bank. One such expansion involves Migdal Oz, a settlement located north of Beit Ummar. The planned expansion will seize approximately 300-500 dunams of Beit Ummar’s most fertile agricultural land. Since October 2023, Palestinian farmers have been unable to access their properties in these areas.
Severe Restrictions Due to Military Checkpoints
Military gates installed at the main entrances to Palestinian towns continue to severely restrict movement, making daily life increasingly difficult. Palestinians are forced to seek alternative routes—often unpaved, damaged agricultural roads or narrow side paths—to reach cities. These restrictions are particularly critical for those needing to access hospitals, universities, or workplaces.
As a result, unemployment has risen sharply across the West Bank, with the younger generation being disproportionately affected by these blockades. The situation remains uncertain, and the challenges are mounting.
Call for Action
At CFJ Palestine, we have consistently worked to connect with partners and allies to confront these challenges and provide assistance. However, given the growing scale of suffering, we urge you to not only stand in solidarity but to actively seek partners willing to contribute financially to sustain and expand relief efforts.
We are currently finalizing our 2024 financial report, which we expect to share with you within the next two days.
Additionally, in the coming days, we will send you a new strategic work plan for the organization.
Best regards,
mousa
Beit Ummar
What happened during this war was really terrible mostly in Sheikh Jarrah and Gaza. Gaza was destroyed. The situation was very bad here in Beit Ummar and the West Bank in general. Israeli soldiers were coming into the town daily even more than once a day. The soldiers caused many troubles for those who were coming to or leaving the town. They were spread everywhere on the entrance of Beit Ummar and on the balconies or roofs of citizens' houses, and their guns were always pointed at people. To be honest, we didn't fear them at all; even the youngest went out to resist. Yes, Gaza was destroyed; many people were killed, many arrested; and there was always tension - but our voice reached many countries around the world. Huge numbers of people became our supporters and saw the truth. Israel definitely had not expected that or the destruction that happened in their living area.
Currently, it's not as bad as before, but we don't know what might happen later.
