Hebron / PNN / 

 Sami Huraini, a Palestinian youth activist from the Masafer Yatta region in the southern Hebron hills, has been leading grassroots resistance efforts to help local communities remain on their land in the face of Israeli settlement expansion and military policies. Several years ago, he co-founded Youth of Sumud ("Youth of Steadfastness"), a collective dedicated to nonviolent resistance against Israeli occupation measures, which aims to bolster Palestinian resilience in one of the most vulnerable areas in the West Bank.

The Israeli government has long sought to take control of Masafer Yatta through settlement expansion, land confiscation, and restrictive policies that prevent Palestinian residents from constructing homes or connecting their villages to water and electricity networks. The vast majority of residents rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, making these restrictions even more devastating.

International Solidarity Needed: Protect Palestinian Lives: Sumud A Call for Global Solidarity

 

International Solidarity as a Shield Against Displacement

One of the key strategies adopted by Youth of Sumud under Huraini’s leadership has been increasing international solidarity. Activists and human rights defenders from around the world live among Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta, serving as witnesses to Israeli military and settler violence while offering a layer of protection for residents.

Speaking to PNN, Huraini emphasised the importance of international presence in these high-risk areas. "The occupation fears being documented. That’s why we've seen increased Israeli efforts to target and deport international activists over the past year," he said. "Israel has intensified measures at border crossings and airports to prevent solidarity activists from reaching the West Bank. Settlers, with army protection, have also escalated their attacks on those who manage to arrive."

From Local Initiative to National Movement

Huraini explained that Youth of Sumud was born in 2017 in the small village of Sarura in Masafer Yatta. The initiative started as a way to unite Palestinian youth and organise nonviolent resistance against forced displacement in South Hebron and other West Bank communities.

"What started as peaceful protests evolved into a way of life," he said. "At first, our focus was on organising demonstrations and solidarity events, but over time, it became a daily struggle—a lifestyle aimed at reinforcing Palestinian presence in these threatened areas."

He highlighted the critical need for such efforts, given that Masafer Yatta remains one of the most vulnerable regions in the West Bank. "International solidarity has played a major role in sustaining our efforts," he added. "Despite increased settler attacks against international activists, they continue to come, standing by us, offering protection, and helping communities resist forced displacement."

A Call for Continued Global Engagement

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza and escalating violence in the West Bank, Youth of Sumud is intensifying its call for international solidarity. Huraini stressed the need for a permanent presence of international activists in Masafer Yatta and other targeted villages like At-Tuwani.

"When internationals are here, Palestinians feel safer. Israel wants to protect its image and conceal its crimes, so having witnesses on the ground makes a difference," he explained. "International advocacy is crucial for the Palestinian cause, and we must continue to build on it."

Huraini also noted that Youth of Sumud has worked with international activists across multiple platforms, increasing global awareness of Masafer Yatta’s plight. "This region has gained recognition because of the solidarity efforts that have amplified our voices," he said.

Night Patrols to Protect Villages from Settler Attacks

Beyond documentation and advocacy, international volunteers also participate in night patrols, a crucial initiative aimed at protecting Palestinian villages from settler violence. "When attacks occur, activists move to threatened communities to help provide protection," Huraini explained.

He concluded by stressing that Youth of Sumud remain committed to exposing Israel’s policies to the world while ensuring Palestinians can remain on their land. "We hope to see a greater influx of international activists in the coming period," he said. "With settler attacks and Israeli military operations escalating, the presence of solidarity activists is more essential than ever. We urge all human rights organisations to stand with the Palestinian people in resisting forced displacement and land confiscation."

This story was produced as part of the Qarib programme, implemented by the French Media Development Agency (CFI) in partnership with and funded by the French Development Agency (AFD).