Susya Expulsions and Land Conflict: A History of Displacement
The village of Susya has been the site of repeated expulsions and systemic land disputes, characterized by a stark divide between the Palestinian residents and nearby Israeli settlements. For decades, Palestinian families have struggled to maintain their ancestral agricultural and grazing lands amidst increasing pressure from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and settler activity.
Key Facts
- Water Inequality: Palestinian residents in Susya pay 25 NIS per cubic meter for tanked water—five times the cost paid by nearby Israeli settlers.
- Water Consumption: Palestinian net consumption is 28 liters per day, less than half of the 70 liters per day consumed by other Palestinians and below WHO recommendations.
- Land Loss: By 2010, settlers were cultivating approximately 40 hectares, roughly 15% of the land area where Palestinian access is denied.
- Infrastructure Destruction: Numerous rainwater cisterns, solar panels, and residential structures have been demolished by the IDF and settlers over several decades.
- Legal Challenges: Despite some court victories, 95% of 120 complaints filed by Susya Palestinians regarding settler attacks were dismissed without charges by 2013.
The Cycle of Expulsions
The 1990 Expulsion
In 1990, the inhabitants of Rujum al-Hamri were loaded onto trucks by the IDF and relocated to the Zif Junction, approximately 15 kilometers north near a desert roadside. While many residents returned to rebuild on a rocky escarpment within their traditional territory, they lost access to their wells. This forced them to purchase expensive water from Yatta.
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The 2001 Expulsion and Destruction
During the second intifada in June 2001, settler civilians and soldiers drove Palestinian residents out of Susya through violent arrests and beatings. On July 3, 2001, the IDF demolished dozens of homes and bulldozed ancient rainwater cisterns, filling them with gravel and cement to prevent reuse. Other losses included donated solar panels, livestock, and razed agricultural land.
Although the Israeli Supreme Court ordered the destruction of these structures to be reversed and the land (approximately 750 acres) returned on September 26, 2001, the IDF and settlers prevented the villagers from reclaiming it. Subsequent appeals were met with continued settler violence, including 93 documented events.
Systemic Inequality and Resource Access
Water and Energy Disparities
The contrast in living conditions between the Palestinian village and the Israeli settlement of Sussia is profound. While the settlement enjoys mains power, piped water, swimming pools, and irrigated vineyards, the Palestinians rely on wells and alternative energy. A Palestinian/Israeli NGO called Comet provided solar panels and wind turbines to the village, a project involving Israeli physicists Elad Orian and Noam Dotan.
The destruction of cisterns has created a "catch-22" for residents: complying with building laws prevents them from collecting rainwater, but failing to work the land leads to its loss.
Land Encroachment and Legal Battles
Settlers have expanded their land use through initiatives like the "Dahlia Farm" at Mitzpe Yair. Since 2000, Palestinians have been denied access to between 10 and 23 cisterns. Additionally, soil valued at 2,000 NIS per truckload has been taken from Yatta village lands.
| Feature | Palestinian Residents | Israeli Settlers |
|---|---|---|
| Water Source | Purchased tanks / Wells | Piped mains water |
| Water Cost | 25 NIS per cubic meter | 5x cheaper than Palestinians |
| Daily Consumption | 28 liters per person | Ample supply (including pools) |
| Energy Source | Solar/Wind (via NGO) | National electricity grid |
| Legal Status of Housing | Often labeled "intruders" | Outposts often left intact |
Recent Escalations and Violence
The February 2026 Raid
On the night of February 24, 2026, approximately 20 masked and armed settlers stormed the community. They used incendiary materials to set fire to cars, chicken coops, and residential structures, including three tents. The attackers also vandalized security cameras and attempted to storm a caravan.
The March 2026 Incident
On March 3, 2026, settlers entered Palestinian land where 14-year-old shepherd Muʿtaz Nawājʿa was grazing sheep. Settlers forced the teenager to kneel and fired live ammunition toward villagers who arrived to help. The IDF detained Nawājʿa and four other residents for several hours; no settlers were arrested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "catch-22" facing Susya residents?
Residents face a dilemma where they cannot legally build cisterns to collect rainwater, but if they cannot access water to work their agricultural lands, they risk losing the land entirely.
How does water pricing differ between the two communities?
Palestinians pay 25 NIS per cubic meter for water brought in by tanks, which is five times the cost paid by residents of the nearby Israeli settlement.
What happened to the rainwater cisterns in Susya?
Many ancient cisterns used for gathering rainwater were bulldozed and filled with gravel and cement by the Israeli army in 1999 and 2001 to hinder their reuse.
What was the outcome of the 2013 High Court ruling?
The court accepted the legal attachment of Yatta Palestinians to land between Susya and Mitzpe Yair but requested they withdraw their petition against settlers, suggesting they pursue civil legal action instead.
How do Palestinian residents obtain electricity?
Because they lack access to the mains power grid, they depend on solar panels and wind turbine energy provided by the Palestinian/Israeli NGO Comet.