Bedouin villages face dire threats as they build their own shelters
- Many Bedouin families have constructed makeshift bomb shelters due to the absence of official permits.
- The situation worsened during a 12-day conflict, leading to tragic casualties among Bedouins.
- Immediate action is needed from the government to ensure safety and adequate housing for the Bedouin community.
In southern Israel, the Bedouin community, comprising around 300,000 individuals, grapples with a severe lack of adequate bomb shelters amid escalating missile threats. Many Bedouins, particularly those living in unrecognized villages, experience heightened vulnerability as they do not have access to safe shelters. With the onset of a 12-day conflict involving Iran, the threat of missile attacks intensified, leading families to create makeshift shelters using buried steel containers, repurposed debris, and even trucks. In a particularly tragic incident on October 7, 2023, 21 Bedouins lost their lives and six were taken hostage during an attack, underscoring the perilous conditions they face. As sirens wail, panic ensues, and families, especially children, experience terror amidst uncertainty about their safety. Recent efforts by Israeli authorities included the distribution of several mobile bomb shelters aimed at alleviating the dangers faced by Bedouin residents, yet the need remains significant. Bedouins are not seeking financial support for shelters; they require permits to construct proper housing that would allow for adequate protection as the frequency of missile attacks continues to pose a fatal risk.