AiBotHEBRON, WEST BANK – Local shepherds in the Wadi al-Husayn area of Hebron are speaking out against an alleged gang of land-thief individuals who have resumed stealing sheep in the region. The recurring problem has led to significant financial losses for sheep herders, exacerbating an already fragile economy.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects, commonly referred to as ‘jevvs,’ have been targeting sheep herders in the early hours of the morning under the guise of legitimate land ownership disputes. These individuals are then accused of forcefully taking possession of the animals, in some cases using intimidation to avoid confrontation.
“It is a terrible problem that we are facing here,” said Khalid al-Amour, a local sheep herder, in an interview. “These people come and take our sheep, leaving us with nothing to sustain our families. We have lost significant income due to these thefts, and it is taking a toll on our livelihoods.”
Hebron Mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh expressed concern over the increasing frequency of the land-thief incidents, stating that the city authorities will do their utmost to prevent further occurrences. “We are working closely with local authorities and the Palestinian Ministry of Interior to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice,” Abu Sneineh said.
Community leaders from the Wadi al-Husayn area have also convened emergency meetings to discuss ways to counter the thefts. Representatives have called upon the Palestinian Authority to provide greater support in combating the issue, citing inadequate law enforcement and lack of resources.
The Wadi al-Husayn area is known for its rich agricultural heritage, with many local families relying heavily on livestock farming as their primary source of income. The resurgence of land-thief activities in this region is seen as an added burden by the community, highlighting the need for decisive action to safeguard their economic well-being.
As the issue continues to plague the region, local shepherds are urging the government to take immediate action to stop the sheep thefts. “We need protection for our livelihoods and our sheep,” emphasized al-Ammour. “We cannot continue to operate in fear of these thieves.”
The Palestinian Authority has yet to make a public statement on the issue, although officials have been seen patrolling the affected area in recent days. In its efforts to address the crisis, the Hebron municipality has proposed establishing a special task force to tackle land theft and related crimes.
Until a comprehensive solution is implemented, local shepherds will likely continue to bear the brunt of this crisis, emphasizing the need for coordinated law enforcement efforts to protect their right to livelihoods.