The Ein al-Duyuk community near Jericho was subjected to a brutal attack by gangs of criminal settlers at 3am on 14th December. The community has been subjected to repeated attacks for over two months, during which time its peaceful and unarmed residents have endured the most heinous forms of violence and racism. There have been numerous injuries with varying degrees of severity, as well as the theft of sheep and property, the destruction of solar panels, the ransacking of homes, the removal of window screens, and threats of arson and murder.

The settlers have told the residents, “You must leave; these homes are not yours; this is Israeli land”. They have even gone so far as to beat children under the age of four, slamming their heads against walls, and severely beating the elderly, some of whom sustained serious injuries.

At dawn today, two speeding SUVs carrying more than ten criminal settlers attacked the homes, particularly the house where Italian solidarity activists were staying. They were subjected to a brutal beating. Our Italian friends experienced the life of the Palestinian people in all its facets: joy, happiness, play, hardship, and sorrow. And now, today, that same house, along with three others, has been destroyed. What kind of life is this?

A resident of Al-Duyuk was violently beaten on his face and has injuries to both of his knees, as shown in the photo below.

The Ein al-Duyuk community is located in the village of al-Duyuk, within the unique geographical landscape of the Jericho Valley. Most of al-Duyuk village houses are below sea level, while Ein al-Duyuk community lies in the higher, more elevated area. This means there is no geographical connection between the village and the community, as the Qarantal Mountains separate them. The village of al-Duyuk has a population of over 4,500, while the community now numbers over 100, mostly children and the elderly. The community suffers from marginalization, with virtually no protection and no infrastructure.

Furthermore, settlers have erected a gate at the beginning of the military road that borders the community. This road is the only access route, winding through the rugged mountains. JVS has been working with the community to open a secondary road, by appealing to the relevant authorities and planning the construction process. Part of Al-Duyuk village is in Area A (classified as being under the full control of the Palestinian National Authority, according to the Oslo Accords) and part of it is in Area B (with theoretical joint control between the Palestinian National Authority and the occupation). Therefore a road that connects the residential areas of Al-Duyuk and Ein al-Duyuk, both of which are in Area A, is crucial from a national and moral standpoint. It would strengthen the resilience of the residents, help them preserve their land, and allow them to access it without prior coordination.

Ein El-Duyuk is suffering from crisis, and this is part of the bitter reality for Palestinians in the Jordan Valley.