What You Need to Know
• Sandra Basir and Roland Basir keep fire extinguishers at their home in Taybeh, occupied West Bank.
• Roland Basir’s stone quarry has faced repeated attacks from Israeli settlers, including a mass incursion in March.
• The couple’s seven-year-old son has become fearful, telling his father not to go to work due to safety concerns.
Sandra Basir and Roland Basir, residents of Taybeh in the occupied West Bank, have taken to keeping fire extinguishers at home due to fears of settler violence. Their son has stopped playing outside, expressing anxiety about his father’s safety as Roland Basir’s stone quarry has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli settlers. In the past three years, settlers have chased workers off the site at gunpoint, and a significant attack occurred in March when 30 to 40 settlers stormed the quarry, damaging property and raising Israeli flags. Despite documenting the incidents and filing complaints with authorities, Roland Basir’s efforts to secure protection for his business have been unsuccessful, leading to ongoing distress for the family.
Why It Matters
The ongoing violence against Palestinian communities, particularly in the West Bank, has escalated in recent years, with settler attacks becoming increasingly frequent and brazen. The situation reflects broader tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where Palestinian businesses and families often face threats from settlers. Historical context shows that such incidents are part of a long-standing pattern of conflict over land and resources, impacting the daily lives of Palestinians. The Basir family’s experience underscores the challenges faced by Palestinian Christians and Muslims alike in maintaining their livelihoods and safety amid rising settler aggression.
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