In Christian village of Taybeh, Israeli military order fails to stop settler violence
Priest Abouna Jack-Nobel Abed at Saint George Greek Melkite Catholic Church in the mostly Christian town of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, 22 December 2025
Fayha Shalash reports in Middle East Eye on 13 August 2026:
The residents of Taybeh, a village east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, continue to face settler attacks despite an Israeli military order declaring the surrounding area a closed military zone.
Local residents documented fresh settler attacks on several families east of Taybeh on Tuesday 11 August, including the Naif al-Kaabneh family, who have been subjected to violent assaults in recent days, despite the decision to close off the area under the pretext of protecting Palestinians.
Taybeh is a predominantly Christian Palestinian village in the West Bank, and its residents rely on agriculture, olive groves and olive oil production, among other sources of income.
In recent weeks, residents and solidarity activists say settler attacks have continued and escalated. These include settlers approaching homes and agricultural land, damaging property, and disrupting water and electricity supplies, while residents face increasing difficulty accessing their land.
On Monday the Israeli army declared Taybeh, along with the southern village of Rammun, a closed military zone, saying the move was intended to prevent Israelis and settlers from entering the area. But residents say the order has so far done little to change the reality on the ground. While the army says the closure is meant to keep settlers out, residents and activists continue to report attacks and harassment.
The measure has also raised concerns that the restrictions could make it harder for journalists, international activists and human rights observers to reach the area and document what is happening.