Netanyahu carries out provocative visit to Masafer Yatta in Hebron
Prior to the visit, the Israeli forces attacked a mass protest
Jerusalem24 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu carried out a visit yesterday evening, Sunday, to the village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron in the southern occupied West Bank. According to the official news agency WAFA, Netanyahu accompanied by a large number of settlers, arrived at the ancient village of Susiya amid tight military measures.
Before the Israeli PM’s arrival the Israeli army closed the area, declared it a closed military zone, and closed surrounding military checkpoints to prevent international and local solidarity activists and press crews from reaching the area.
Prior to the visit, the Israeli forces attacked a mass protest held in the Masafer Yatta area in protest of Netanyahu’s anticipated visit. Israeli Forces reportedly attacked hundreds of protesters, representatives of national and civil institutions, foreign solidarity activists and peace advocates, with flash bangs and tear gas canisters. No injuries were reported.
Masafer Yatta, a collection of almost 19 hamlets that rely heavily on animal husbandry as the main source of livelihood. It is located in Area C of the West Bank, under full Israeli administrative and military control. The area has been a frequent target of almost daily assaults by the Israeli military and settlers.
