BETHLEHEM / PNN /
Palestinian officials and residents held an expanded meeting to discuss ways to confront what they described as escalating attacks by Israeli settlers targeting a residential area in the village of Khallet al-Louz, southeast of Bethlehem.
The meeting, convened by homeowners in the Bethlehem University Alumni Housing complex and nearby residents, was attended by Bethlehem Governor Mohammed Taha Abu Alia, the head of the Handaza, Bureid’a and Khallet al-Louz municipal council, and Nader Zaoul, director of the Palestinian Civil Affairs office in Bethlehem. Participants examined mechanisms for joint official and community action to strengthen residents’ resilience amid what they described as organized settler violence backed by Israeli authorities. Residents outlined the challenges facing the area, calling for improved basic services, including regular water supply, road paving within the housing complex, and enhanced legal and security support through Palestinian coordination bodies.
D.Mohammad Fararjeh, a resident, said settlers have carried out what he described as systematic attacks that began with targeting specific families and expanded to other homes. He said incidents included smashing surveillance cameras, grazing livestock near homes, attempting to seize property and stealing belongings. The latest reported attacks, he said, targeted homes belonging to the Salhab and Istifan families. Residents said their priorities include paving access roads, ensuring continuous electricity and water supply, and establishing effective communication channels with Palestinian authorities to help prevent further incidents. They also called on homeowners — estimated at around 116 — to increase their presence in the area to help protect their properties.
Some apartment owners said they had launched a local initiative to raise funds for paving roads but noted that only a limited number of participants had contributed so far. They urged local authorities to support efforts to revive the housing project and encourage residents to return. Rateb Abayat, head of the municipal council, praised residents’ resilience and said confronting Israeli measures requires both increased habitation of homes and stronger government support. He said the municipality has taken steps to improve infrastructure, including installing lighting, despite financial constraints and limited government funding. He added that road paving proposals would be submitted to the Palestinian government during an upcoming visit by Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa.
Abu Alia condemned what he described as ongoing attacks on Khallet al-Louz and outlined four priority areas: water, electricity, road infrastructure and legal protection. He said the governorate has coordinated with the Palestinian Water Authority to maintain water supply and is working with electricity providers to repair damages and expand services. The governor also said discussions were held with religious and academic institutions, including representatives linked to Bethlehem University, to support the area, noting that the housing project is associated with university graduates.
He added that the Ministry of Agriculture has expressed readiness to provide trees for planting as part of efforts to support the community. Nader Zaoul said the Civil Affairs office is monitoring developments and documenting reported attacks, adding that complaints are being pursued through legal channels in coordination with Palestinian police. He urged residents to document incidents and file official complaints to support legal follow-up.
The meeting concluded with calls for coordinated action between residents and authorities to reinforce Palestinian presence in the area and address ongoing challenges.