Al-Mufaqara, West Bank – In the shadow of illegal Israeli settlements, the village of Al-Mufaqara in Masafer Yatta has become a community defined by vigilance and resilience. Each night, a group of young men, known as the Mountain Guardians, watch over the village to protect it from attacks by nearby settlers. Their nocturnal patrols have become a lifeline for the 220 residents, including 50 children, who rely on herding, agriculture, and livestock for survival.

A Village Under Threat

Al-Mufaqara, located south of Hebron, has faced repeated violence from settlers and demolitions by Israeli authorities. Homes have been destroyed, agricultural lands burned, and families displaced. The attacks have included shootings and beatings, leaving villagers injured or worse. Among the latest victims was Awda al-Hathalin, a symbol of resistance who was shot by an Israeli settler.

In response to these threats, the villagers formed the Mountain Guardians Committee, comprising around 30 young men who rotate nightly shifts, watching over the village from a nearby hill. Their elevated posts allow them to monitor movements in and around the illegal settlements, alerting villagers to danger and providing crucial early warnings.

Life on the Hill

The guardians have a structured system: some carry torches, others prepare meals, while one brews sage tea to provide warmth and sustenance through the long nights. Elder villagers support the effort by bringing coffee, sunflower seeds, or snacks as symbols of solidarity.

“Our task isn’t easy, but it’s also not impossible,” says one guardian. “The night is ours, as long as we guard it.”

Families and Daily Life Amid Danger

Families like the Hamamda household have adapted to constant threat. Mother Hamida Ali Hamamda describes life before October 2023 as peaceful, with free-roaming sheep and security in their homes. Today, settlers frequently invade homes, threaten residents, and damage crops. Protective measures like barbed wire, guard dogs, and underground caves have become essential.

“If it weren’t for the guard committees, we wouldn’t sleep a wink… They are our first line of defense,” Hamida says.

Her granddaughter, 11-year-old Asala, has grown up with fear as a constant companion, hiding in caves whenever settlers attack.

Protecting Livelihoods and Heritage

The guardians not only protect families but also safeguard livestock and agricultural lands. When attacks occur, women and children are rushed to underground shelters, livestock is secured, and some villagers confront settlers until reinforcements arrive.

“We all know that the settler is merciless, but the Palestinian will not abandon his land. Even the children here know that the land is life,” says Muath al-Hamamda, a 32-year-old farmer and guardian.

Sustaining the Vigil

Elder villagers and volunteers, like Jalal al-Amour, help by preparing meals for the night guards. Al-Amour recalls living in a cave forcibly seized by settlers, yet he continues to support the young guardians. The communal meals, fire, and smoke serve as reminders of home and resilience amidst ongoing threats.

As dawn approaches, the guardians return to their daily routines—tending sheep, resting briefly, and preparing for the next night of vigilance. Their tireless commitment has reportedly reduced attacks by over 80 percent, offering villagers a rare sense of security in an otherwise precarious environment.

A Symbol of Resistance and Hope

The Mountain Guardians of Al-Mufaqara embody resilience and determination. They protect not only land and property but also the cultural and familial legacy of the village. Despite ongoing hardships, their vigilance ensures that the community can continue to live on its land, nurturing hope that future generations may one day live without fear.