BETHLEHEM, West Bank / PNN /

A new episode of Palestine News Network’s Al-Makshouf programme has highlighted how independent journalism and public accountability can support Palestinians working to protect their land, defend their property and serve their communities amid escalating settler attacks and attempts to seize Palestinian-owned land.

Presented by journalist Sara Rizk, the programme examined the challenges facing families threatened with displacement and the legal and grassroots initiatives seeking to defend Palestinian rights and strengthen people’s ability to remain on their land.

Two field reports focused on communities confronting these pressures. The first examined the Salem family’s struggle in Khirbet Umm al-Khair, south of Hebron, where repeated attacks and mounting pressure threaten the family’s continued presence on its land. The second highlighted activist Alice Qissiya’s initiative in Wadi al-Makhrour, near Beit Jala, to protect Church-owned property and the Palestinian Christian presence while mobilising public and legal efforts to prevent land and property seizures.

Protecting communities through grassroots action and accountability

The programme hosted Salah al-Khawaja, director of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission’s office in the central West Bank. He said attacks targeting Palestinian communities form part of practices intended to place residents under pressure and force them to leave, warning that risks are increasing for families and farmers, particularly in areas classified as Area C.

Al-Khawaja stressed the importance of strengthening residents’ ability to remain on their land by meeting essential needs, activating community protection committees in targeted villages and towns, documenting violations and pursuing legal action.

He also called for stronger coordination among official institutions, civil society organisations and international partners to protect Palestinian land and support communities facing displacement.

The discussion examined the legal dimensions of confronting settlement expansion and land seizures. Al-Khawaja emphasised the need for action at both local and international levels, including pressure on international institutions to hold those responsible for violations accountable and advance legal proceedings concerning settlement-related offences.

Alice Qissiya’s initiative seeks to protect land and Palestinian Christian heritage

The programme also examined the work of activist Alice Qissiya, director of the Wadi al-Makhrour Foundation, which seeks to protect Church-owned property and safeguard the presence of Palestinian Christians in the area.

Her initiative combines efforts to mobilise local and international support and collect signatures with legal follow-up on land and property cases. It also advocates for the protection of religious sites and areas threatened by settlement expansion and for measures to help Palestinian families remain on their land.

Speaking by telephone, Qissiya stressed that solidarity must translate into practical action rather than remain limited to slogans and expressions of support. She called on local communities, institutions and international partners to take an active role in protecting Palestinian land.

She also highlighted the need for sustainable projects to support threatened families and proposed establishing a fund to help meet their needs and strengthen their ability to remain in their communities.

Through its field reporting and expert discussions, Al-Makshouf brought attention to Palestinians taking practical steps to defend their land, preserve their heritage and support their neighbours. The episode underscored the role of independent journalism and accountability in documenting the challenges these communities face, amplifying their efforts and drawing attention to the institutional, legal and public support needed to help them remain on their land and continue serving their

**This episode was produced with financial support from CFI, Expertise France and the European Union. The content of this document is the sole responsibility of the beneficiary and does not in any way reflect the views of CFI, Expertise France or the European Union.**