The land threatened with confiscation is estimated at more than 1,800 dunams and includes over 6,000 olive trees. More than 500 families rely on these lands as a primary source of food and income.
Sobhi Yassin, one of the landowners, said the decision came as a shock to residents, who were informed through the municipality and the Palestinian liaison office. Field measures soon followed, including tightened restrictions and the closure of the agricultural road leading to their lands, preventing access and maintenance.
Yassin described the uprooting of mature trees as a severe humanitarian and economic loss, noting that some olive trees are more than sixty years old. He added that these trees represent history and life deeply rooted in the land.
Imad Al-Hajj, another resident, said his land—known as “Krum Al-Za’atar” (Thyme Vineyards)—has been passed down through generations and carries family memories from grandparents to grandchildren. He explained that residents were surprised by the confiscation notice, issued under the claim of establishing an archaeological park, even though the land has long been cultivated with almond and apricot trees, in addition to both young and ancient olive trees, including old Roman olive trees.
One resident described the decision as a clear annexation move, arguing that the designation of “archaeological areas” is being used as a means to take control of Palestinian-owned land, as is happening in Sebastia.
Residents also reported that bulldozers recently leveled a historic agricultural road connecting the lands to their homes, serving more than 1,000 dunams. They believe the construction of an earthen barrier is intended to block access to the land as a prelude to completing the confiscation process.
