A Palestinian family in Masafer Yatta near Hebron says Israeli settlers stole around 45 sheep from their farm just days before the Eid al Adha holiday leaving them without income and unable to take part in the traditional animal sacrifice.
Sameeha Rasheed said the settlers carried out the raid before dawn on May 21 after earlier stealing the family’s guard dogs. She said the dogs were taken so no one would be alerted while the sheep were being moved away during the night.
Rasheed explained that the sheep were the family’s main source of income and were especially important during Eid al Adha when families often sell animals for sacrifice. Her husband is currently suffering from cancer and she said the family now has no money for treatment or daily expenses.
Eid al Adha is one of the most important holidays in Islam and marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims around the world sacrifice animals during the festival and distribute meat among relatives neighbors and poor families.
According to Rasheed settlers have been carrying out frequent attacks in the area including spraying pepper gas near homes and children. CCTV footage reviewed by Reuters reportedly showed masked men taking the sheep from the farm during the night.
The Israeli military said troops were sent to the area after the incident was reported but no settlers were found. The case has been transferred to Israeli police for investigation.
Violence involving Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has increased since the Gaza war began in October 2023. Palestinian officials say thousands of livestock animals have been stolen since the beginning of 2026 causing millions of dollars in losses for local farmers.
More than 700000 Israeli settlers currently live in East Jerusalem and the West Bank alongside more than three million Palestinians according to a 2024 European Union report. Palestinians seek an independent state in the West Bank Gaza and East Jerusalem territories captured by Israel in the 1967 war.
