Kathmandu— Historic Taybeh, a Palestinian Christian town in the occupied West Bank, is facing increasing violence and intimidation from Israeli settlers. Residents describe a once-safe haven now besieged by coordinated attacks on businesses, farms, and homes, with limited protection from authorities. The escalating situation has led to economic hardship, fear for personal safety, and an exodus of families leaving behind centuries of history in the town traditionally identified with biblical Ephraim. Locals report repeated incursions, property destruction, and restrictions on access to essential resources like water and farmland.

Economic Lifeline Under Threat

Roland Basir, who invested an estimated $5 million into a stone quarry and concrete-block factory, has been forced to abandon his business after years of harassment. Settlers repeatedly chased him and his workers off the land at gunpoint, setting fire to heavy machinery and culminating in a brazen mass incursion in March where they raised Israeli flags and vandalized his office. Basir documented the attacks and appealed for help from authorities, but received no meaningful support. He now alleges that stone taken from his quarry is being illegally resold under settler names. Madees Khoury, who runs the family-founded Taybeh Brewery, reports an 80 percent drop in revenue since October 2023 due to restrictions and a lack of tourism.

Escalating Attacks and Intimidation

Residents describe a pattern of settler violence mirroring that seen across the rural West Bank. Sandra Basir recounts her mother suffering a broken arm during an olive harvest attack, while others share photographs and videos of frequent incursions into the town center. Settlers graze livestock on private agricultural land, deliberately set fires near the church and cemetery, and prevent firefighters from reaching blazes. Mayor Suleiman Khourieh estimates seven settler outposts now surround Taybeh, with some directly encroaching on municipal land. One new outpost established last week sits in an area nominally under Palestinian civil administration, but effectively controlled by settlers.

Failed Protections and Growing Isolation

Following recent attacks, the Israeli army declared Taybeh a closed military zone, ostensibly to protect residents. However, locals say the order has been selectively enforced, hindering activists offering protective presence while doing little to deter settler violence. Father Bashar Fawadleh, priest of Taybeh’s Christ the Redeemer Church, notes that the measure hasn't amounted to any practical change and does not prevent settlers from entering the town. The restrictions have also contributed to a growing sense of isolation, with residents avoiding roads due to fear of checkpoints or settler confrontations. Fifteen families have left Taybeh in the past two years, joining dozens of individuals who have emigrated to the United States and Europe.

A Community Determined to Remain

Despite the mounting challenges, many residents are determined to remain in their ancestral home. They emphasize their deep historical connection to the land, tracing back to biblical times, and view leaving as an unacceptable option. “This land is ours,” says Father Bashar, echoing a common sentiment across the West Bank. Mayor Khourieh, whose vineyard has been taken over by settlers, states that they will not leave even if it means dying in Taybeh, considering it holy ground. Father Bashar frames their struggles as a 'cross to carry,' urging residents to maintain hope amidst the hardship.

The situation in Taybeh remains precarious, with ongoing settler activity and limited intervention from authorities. Residents continue to call for greater protection and fear further escalation if the current trend continues.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.