Palestinians return to devastated West Bank village after settler violence

In the fall of the previous year, the Palestinian community of Khirbet Zanuta in the West Bank was forced to flee due to escalating threats from violent Israeli settlers. This displacement was compounded by a lack of effective support from Israeli authorities, despite reports of violence. However, in a rare legal decision, Israel's highest court ruled that the displaced residents could return to their village under military protection. Upon their return, they found their homes, a health clinic, and a school destroyed, leaving them in dire conditions. Approximately 150 residents have returned, but they are living in the ruins of their former homes, facing ongoing intimidation from settlers. The situation has been exacerbated by a rise in settler violence since the onset of the recent conflict, with over 1,500 Palestinians displaced. The court ruling, while granting legal rights to the residents, restricts them from constructing new buildings due to the land being classified as an archaeological zone. This limitation highlights the challenges faced by the community in rebuilding their lives and homes. The plight of Khirbet Zanuta illustrates the broader issues of settler violence and the effectiveness of international sanctions, as the community struggles to reclaim their land and security amidst ongoing threats.