Israeli soldiers have increasingly assaulted Palestinians in
Sebastia, West Bank, as part of a mounting military campaign marked by
violence, humiliation, and land appropriation. Human rights organisations
report systematic abuses including forced strip searches, physical assaults,
and public humiliation amid efforts to displace Palestinians and transform
historic sites into national parks.
Escalating Violence in Sebastia
As reported by Khaled Azem to Al Jazeera, a 25-year-old
resident of Sebastia, Azem described being forcibly removed from his vehicle by
Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in nearby Deir Sharaf. The soldiers assaulted
him, compelled him to kneel and repeat proclamations such as “I love Israel” on
camera, and uploaded the video to his Facebook account to humiliate him
publicly. This episode is emblematic of a broader campaign of intimidation and
violence by Israeli forces in the village located northwest of Nablus.
The Human Impact
Azem’s experience underscores the daily reality for
Palestinians in Sebastia. Once a peaceful community, residents now face routine
nighttime raids, severe restrictions on movement, and an atmosphere of fear and
uncertainty. Israeli military incursions have grown since late 2023, coinciding
with increased interest by Israeli authorities to repurpose Sebastia’s
significant archaeological sites dating back to the Iron Age into national
parks and tourism sites. This policy is viewed by locals as a method to
displace Palestinian inhabitants and erase their historical connection to the
land.
Azem, who used to work as a builder in Tel Aviv and enjoy social
life in the area, now rarely ventures outside due to constant military
presence. The removal of Palestinian workers’ border permits and the
prohibition of employment in certain sectors, particularly construction, have
increased unemployment in the community beyond 30 percent. His family, having
lived in their yellow-painted home for over 40 years, now depends primarily on
his father’s taxi driving for income.
Reports of Systematic Abuses
Human rights organisations report systematic abuse by
Israeli soldiers in Sebastia. These include forcing men to strip while being
filmed and allegations of sexual assault. Many victims required medical
treatment, but none faced any allegations or prosecutions themselves and were
typically released immediately after being assaulted.
On 19 January 2025, a sniper killed 14-year-old Ahmad Rash
Rushdiazar in Sebastia, highlighting the lethal risks faced by young
Palestinians amidst ongoing raids. Such violent incidents have led to the
widespread cessation of night-time activities by families, further
impoverishing social life in the town.
Wider Context of West Bank Violence
The violence in Sebastia forms part of a larger pattern
across the West Bank, with Israeli forces carrying out frequent raids marked by
arrests, property destruction, and the erection of checkpoints and barriers
that severely restrict Palestinian movement. According to reports, over 800
settler attacks on Palestinians occurred between October 2023 and May 2024,
with approximately 10,000 arrests made by Israeli forces during this period.
In Nablus and surrounding areas near Sebastia, multiple
raids resulted in numerous casualties, including children, and an increase in
settler violence and military operations. These events coincide with efforts to
secure land around roads and historical sites that settlers and Israeli
authorities deem strategically important, often at the expense of Palestinian
residents.
Settler Violence and Political Backdrop
Israeli settler violence has intensified with backing from
the current government, escalating since October 2023. The attacks are often
accompanied by military protection or cooperation, systematically encroaching
on Palestinian land and property. This campaign is part of a wider strategy to
reshape the demographics and control of the West Bank through land
appropriation and suppressing Palestinian resistance.
The construction of gates, concrete blocks, and checkpoints
throughout communities has effectively segmented Palestinian towns like Nablus
into isolated enclaves, disrupting everyday life and access to essential
services such as schools and hospitals.
International Concern and Human Rights Perspective
Human rights observers and organisations have expressed alarm at the scale and nature of the abuses reported in Sebastia and across the West Bank. The goal appears to be one of displacement through coercion, humiliation, and violence rather than lawful security measures. The international community has been urged to apply pressure on Israel to curb settler violence and protect Palestinian civilians’ human rights.
The experiences of residents like Khaled Azem illustrate the
daily fear and suffering endured by Palestinians in Sebastia amid increasing
Israeli military aggression. This forms part of a broader regional pattern of
violence, land appropriation, and systematic attempts to reshape the
demographic and geopolitical realities of the West Bank. Despite international
outcry, the situation remains deeply precarious for Palestinian villagers whose
lives and livelihoods are under sustained threat.