West Bank settlers steal Palestinian family's 45 sheep before Eid al-Adha

Palestinian shepherd Sameeha Rasheed, who relies on her flock of sheep for both her family's Eid al-Adha sacrifice and her livelihood, lost 45 animals in a predawn raid by West Bank Jewish settlers. The theft occurred in Masafer Yatta, near Hebron, where settlers first stole the family's guard dogs to ensure no one would be alerted. Rasheed's husband is battling cancer, and the family now has no income for his treatment or basic needs. The incident highlights a broader pattern: the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture reports that about 4,000 livestock have been stolen by settlers since the beginning of 2026.

Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's holiest festivals, involves the ritual sacrifice of animals to commemorate the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. For Rasheed, the theft means she cannot participate in the tradition nor sell surplus animals to generate income. The attack comes amid ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinian farmers and herders has been a recurring issue. International organizations have repeatedly condemned such actions as violations of international law, but enforcement remains limited.