In the verdant hills of the occupied West Bank, the resilience of Palestinian farmers like Theeba al-Sabaa stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to their ancestral land. Affronted by settler encroachment and the challenges presented by military restrictions, these farmers embody the struggle to maintain their way of life, preserving both their agricultural heritage and family legacies. As they navigate this complex reality, their stories reveal not only a personal fight for sustenance but also a broader narrative of resistance and perseverance amid adversity.
The 56-year-old Palestinian farmer Theeba al-Sabaa spends her days guarding her home and farmland in Beit Ummar, near Hebron, known to locals as “Jabal Sabaa.” Enveloped by the rolling hills that cradled her family’s vineyard for generations, Theeba is engaged in a daily battle against settler outposts that threaten her access to crucial agricultural land. “By God, the land has taught me patience, and to cling to my right… I will not leave my toil and sweat, or the toil of my children and my husband, to go to someone else,” she notes, capturing the spirit of resilience that runs deep within her community.
The situation has become increasingly dire since mid-2024, when new settler outposts were established in the nearby hills, intensifying pressure on local farmers. The settlers frequently encroach upon Theeba’s land by allowing their livestock to graze in her cultivated fields, deliberately trampling her crops. “As soon as they feel any movement or anyone entering the land,” she explains, “you find them attacking us immediately.” This pattern of intimidation extends to neighboring farmers like 59-year-old Anwar Sabarneh, who faces similar threats while tending to his own vineyards located just meters from his home.
Sabarneh highlights the alarming trend that sees the Israeli military complicity in these settler actions. The army requires Palestinians to obtain permits to work on their own property, a reality that Sabarneh finds absurd: “They came with the settlers to ask me for a permit to work in front of my house,” he laments. He also notes that his sheep have been confined to a barn for over eight months, facing dangers from settlers who chase and steal livestock.
The broader picture reveals a systematic effort to undermine Palestinian agriculture. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, the first half of 2026 saw 11,074 attacks in the West Bank, with a significant number perpetrated by settlers. This escalation reflects a larger strategy where agricultural land is not only vital for local livelihoods but also a symbol of cultural and historical identity.
In the face of oppression, women like Theeba continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding their family’s agricultural legacy, especially when men are targeted or detained by Israeli forces. This dedication to their heritage manifests in both their steadfast grip on the land and the community’s collective spirit of resistance. As articulated by Hasan Breijieh, a settlement affairs expert, “This land was historically the primary source of livelihood for families, and a Palestinian cannot leave it voluntarily, no matter the sacrifices.” Through their unwavering commitment, Theeba and Sabarneh exemplify a profound connection to their land—a connection that transcends mere agriculture to embody the essence of their identity and heritage.
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