Night guardians of the mountain in the occupied West Bank

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Mosab ShawerDecember 15, 2025 at 02:47 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

In the occupied West Bank village of Al-Mufaqara, Masafer Yatta, a group of about 30 young men have formed the Mountain Guardians Committee to protect their community from attacks by Israeli settlers. Every night, from sunset to sunrise, these men vigilantly watch over the village from a nearby hill, monitoring movements and alerting residents to potential danger. The village, home to approximately 220 people, faces ongoing threats, including home demolitions, destruction of agricultural lands, and violence, which prompted the formation of the group. The guardians divide tasks, maintaining watch, preparing food, and providing warmth throughout the night. Al-Mufaqara residents rely on herding, agriculture, and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

West Bank ×360% Hebron 70% Masafer Yatta ×280% Al-Mufaqara ×6100%

Keywords

settler attacks 90% occupied west bank 80% al-mufaqara 70% mountain guardians committee 70% night watch 60% israeli settlers 60% village defense 50% illegal settlements 50% palestinian village 40%