Rights group says Palestinians have begun moving livestock out of village due to settler harassment

Families from the Palestinian community of Mu’arajat have begun moving their livestock out of the hamlet in the southern Jordan Valley this evening, the B’Tselem human rights organization reports, following harassment by settlers and the establishment of a rudimentary illegal settlement outpost inside Mu’arajat itself.

A B’Tselem official currently in Mu’arajat tells The Times of Israel that there are several dozen settlers currently there.

The organization says that the removal of the livestock could be the first step to the partial or full abandonment of the hamlet by the residents.

According to the B’Tselem official, IDF and Border Police officials recently arrived in Mu’arajat, but the settlers are still there.

Earlier this evening, the Looking the Occupation in the Eyes activist organization said that settlers were moving equipment into the hamlet and engaging in threatening behavior.

Settlers were documented breaking into a home in Mu’arajat Wednesday night and ousting a family living there, while establishing their outpost inside the village.

“Based on past incidents, there is a real concern that this is a first step toward the immediate eviction of the community,” says B’Tselem.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit does not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Settlers reportedly moving towards the Palestinian hamlet of Mu’arajat in the Jordan Valley region where they have set up an illegal outpost inside the dwelling.
Video taken night of July 3.
Credit: Bat Sheva Yanko pic.twitter.com/DE7d5rti2d

— Jeremy Sharon (@jeremysharon) July 3, 2025