At-Tuwani (التواني) is a small Palestinian village in the South Hebron Hills, southeast of Yatta and near the Israeli settlement of Ma’on with a population of 194 residents (2017) and is known for its cave dwellings.

Since 1967, At-Tuwani has been under Israeli control, affecting its administrative and legal status. A village council was established in 1994, overseeing At-Tuwani and neighboring hamlets.

Harassment and apartheid

Settlement of Ma’on established in 1982, with further outposts and expansions, often leading to settler attacks on Palestinians. Settlers from Havat Ma’on have frequently attacked Palestinian shepherds, farmers, and international observers. Their violence includes poisoning water sources, contaminating grazing areas, and direct attacks.

At-Tuwani hosts the only local school, attended by children who must pass near the settler outpost, risking frequent attacks.

Many buildings, including the local school, face demolition orders. Attempts to build a kindergarten and clinic were obstructed, with the clinic’s construction declared illegal.

A weekly clinic funded by a European NGO serves local residents, but it faces limitations due to the ongoing restrictions and lack of permits.

No running water in At-Tuwani; residents rely on rainwater cisterns and face challenges obtaining water infrastructure permits. Efforts to connect to the Israeli water network have seen limited success due to the area’s designation as Area C, under Israeli control.

Many homes and lands are at risk due to exclusion from the Israeli Civil Administration's master plan. Legal battles continue to prevent demolitions and maintain residents' rights to shelter and water access. Legal and Human Rights

Mohammad Huraini

Mohammad Huraini and other activists in Masafer Yatta, West Bank, face daily brutal oppression from Israeli occupation forces and extremist settlers. Since Israel's war on Gaza began, repression has intensified as Israel continues its illegal efforts to forcibly evict Palestinians from their homes to create a "military firing zone."

The village of at-Tuwani has long endured violent settler attacks, often supported by Israeli soldiers, aimed at driving Palestinians from their homes. Activists like Huraini document these forced evictions and attacks, risking their lives to share the truth on social media.

With Israeli aggression escalating and settlers increasingly armed, this work has become more dangerous and harder to sustain. Donations are urgently needed to support activists like Huraini in exposing these crimes and raising global awareness. Without this documentation, these human rights violations may go unnoticed.

Chronology

On November 24, settlers from Maon terror outpost descended to al-Tuwani, Masafer Yatta. The settlers, protected by soldiers, injured two & escaped without being held accountable.

Advocacy:

NGOs and Israeli MPs have petitioned for At-Tuwani's access to basic services. The community’s struggle highlights a "catch-22" situation, where legal restrictions prevent sustainable living and farming practices, risking land confiscation.

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