121102 Al Hadidiya Salamen family setting up housesIn the afternoon of 3rd November 2012, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) arrested two members of Abdel Mehdi Salamen’s family in Al Hadidiya and confiscated most of the family’s tent materials.

Destroying Bedouin lifestyle

On 2nd November 2012, Abdel’s family had moved their houses from their previous dwelling place in Al Hadidiya to a new location near the Israeli well serving Ro’i colony. The relocation was prompted by the increasing amount of animal waste, which had begun to attract more and more insects carrying disease, posing a serious health hazard not only to the animals but also the family who has no access to basic services, including water and healthcare.

Customarily, Bedouin communities move according to seasonal changes. This allows for the natural cycle of feeding and moving animals appropriately and permits sufficient time for waste to decompose and fertilise the soil. However, under the occupation, Bedouin movement to and from the mountains is prevented, significantly altering their traditional way of living on the land and in harmony with their natural environment. Moreover, this threatens the survival of their herds and thus undermines their livelihoods.

IOF attack and settler lies

Around 3pm on 3rd November 2012, the guard of Beqa’ot colony came to the Salamen’s home with IOF and police forces, claiming the family was stealing metal from the nearby colony. They proceeded to search all of the family’s houses and belongings. Two young members of the family, Odey and Adel, were arrested and taken into custody. Thereafter, two soldiers remained stationed with the family until about one hour later when the IOF returned and confiscated most of the family’s tent materials, including metal poles to uphold the structures.

It is clear that lies from the colony guard caused this attack – and this would have not been the first time. Frequently, settlers – protected by a military guard, police, fortified fences, spotlights and cameras – deliberately report false incidents in order to perpetuate their fabrications of feeling ‘insecure’ and ‘threatened’ by the surrounding Palestinian communities. Subsequent IOF actions under the pretence of ‘security’ form part of the Israeli effort and ongoing pressure to forcibly transfer Bedouin communities out of the area.

Only few days ago, on 23rd October, the tractor of Khiar Al-Din Bisharat was confiscated in Al Hadidiya while he was clearing animal waste from around the homes and animal shelters of other Bedouin families living in the vicinity of Ro’i settlement.