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Aidan Frere-Smith

A Line in the Sand
Ghosts of Białowieża
Writing 
Publications 

Information

Spent munitions on display within a blossoming garden; a symbol that, despite the oppression they face from occupational forces and settlers, Palestinians continue to remain and embrace their lands. In an attempt to isolate the rural communities of Masafer Yatta from the city of Yatta, occupational forces blockaded and dug-out the road of the most direct route, forcing residents to travel further and pass military checkpoints. In an attempt to isolate the rural communities of Masafer Yatta from the city of Yatta, occupational forces blockaded and dug-out the road of the most direct route, forcing residents to travel further and pass military checkpoints. After taking them to graze in the fields nearby, Ishaaq milks the sheep and goats at his family home before finishing for the day. In the darkness of the night, settlers approached the home of a Palestinian family and set fire to their car. Though they quickly responded to put out the fire, it was too late. The true extent of the damage was revealed the next day. In the darkness of the night, settlers approached the home of a Palestinian family and set fire to their car. Though they quickly responded to put out the fire, it was too late. The true extent of the damage was revealed the next day. Aynisa and Layla, outside of their home. Aynisa and Layla, outside of their home. As the sun sets, family members decide who is taking shifts for the night ahead. Tasked with being on lookout, a Palestinian family fears further escalation after a confrontation during the day. As many residents of Masafer Yatta live in small hamlets in remote valleys that stretch across the landscape, they are vulnerable to the occupational forces and settlers. A settler drone flies above the home a Palestinian family. This is done not only to intimidate and harass residents, but can also be carried out to gather intelligence before a premeditated attack. Their presence, especially during the night, instils fear and uncertainty of what may happen next. Sarah, Layla and Juud outside their home. Sarah, Layla and Juud outside their home. Whilst grazing the lands surrounding his home, a Palestinian shepherd is met by the same settlers on a near daily basis who claim the land as their own, using their own herd as an excuse to be there. This is a form of intimidation that aims to provoke confrontation to lead to arrest by occupational forces under false claims. Whilst grazing the lands surrounding his home, a Palestinian shepherd is met by the same settlers on a near daily basis who claim the land as their own, using their own herd as an excuse to be there. This is a form of intimidation that aims to provoke confrontation to lead to arrest by occupational forces under false claims. The ruins of a school, demolished by occupation forces after Israeli authorities declared that it was built without their approval. Adults and children were removed by force and included the use of sound bombs. In response, local residents erected tents to create a space for classes to continue but these were soon confiscated. Occupational forces congregate outside a Palestinian home, causing anxiety for the residing family as their behaviour is unpredictable. From their garden, family members watch on in hope of no escalation. Only once they have left, can life continue. As Friday prayer comes to an end, followers outside a mosque are confronted by occupational forces who demand that they disperse. Whilst Palestinian residents make their way to their respective homes, military personnel continue to make their presence known throughout the community. Layla uses the windows of her home as part of a playground, laughing to herself as her siblings watch on. Layla uses the windows of her home as part of a playground, laughing to herself as her siblings watch on. Wary of the occupational forces and settlers driving past on a nearby road, a Palestinian shepherd remains low and keeps his herd closeby in an attempt to minimise his presence. Anxious, he holds his Tasbih beads as he watches his sheep graze. Wary of the occupational forces and settlers driving past on a nearby road, a Palestinian shepherd remains low and keeps his herd closeby in an attempt to minimise his presence. Anxious, he holds his Tasbih beads as he watches his sheep graze. Ishaaq and Aynisa grazing their families’ sheep and goats. Ishaaq and Aynisa grazing their families’ sheep and goats. Signage installed by occupational forces, warning of entering Firing Zone 918. Though this is specifically directed at the Arabic- speaking Palestinian residents, Hebrew is the dominant language used. Caves are commonly used as part of Palestinian residents’ family homes, with some residing in them entirely. Due to the escalating threat of demolitions by occupational forces, new caves continue to be made in an attempt to prevent being expelled. Moayad posing after spending the day shearing sheep. Moayad posing after spending the day shearing sheep. A tribute to a fallen son who was shot outside his family home. Ammunition penetrated his lung and spine, making him quadriplegic and requiring a respiratory device for breathing. Whilst his mother cared for him in the same home, settlers cut off their electricity supply which rendered his vital support system useless. Whilst on route to obtain medication, the family’s vehicle was seized at a checkpoint operated by occupational forces. He later died from complications. A tribute to a fallen son who was shot outside his family home. Ammunition penetrated his lung and spine, making him quadriplegic and requiring a respiratory device for breathing. Whilst his mother cared for him in the same home, settlers cut off their electricity supply which rendered his vital support system useless. Whilst on route to obtain medication, the family’s vehicle was seized at a checkpoint operated by occupational forces. He later died from complications. Along with other members of their family, Ishaaq and Moayad harvest wheat by hand, singing and joking between them. After many hours in the direct sunlight, they ride home to continue their playful amusement into the evening. Travelling on foot from a distance across multiple valleys, an armed settler arrives and threatens a small group of Palestinian shepherds whilst they graze the lands near their village. After confronting them, he calls for reinforcements. On the arrival of occupational forces, the shepherds are forced to return home. Travelling on foot from a distance across multiple valleys, an armed settler arrives and threatens a small group of Palestinian shepherds whilst they graze the lands near their village. After confronting them, he calls for reinforcements. On the arrival of occupational forces, the shepherds are forced to return home. An open message of defiance and resilience against the ongoing occupation. This is not only a display of their opposition to the occupational forces and settlers, but also of their collective pride in remaining.
A Line in the Sand (2024)

In the South Hebron Hills of the West Bank lies Masafer Yatta. The rugged landscape, characterised by deep swaying valleys of limestone rock, topped with sparse vegetation, is home to a Palestinian population of sum 1,200 people spread across a multitude of small villages and hamlets. Many continue to live a traditional way of life as farmers and shepherds; harvesting wheat, olives and other crops as well as producing milk and cheese from sheep and goats. It is a hard and labour intensive life, but the real challenges come from living under occupation.

Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israeli military forces occupied the Palestinian territory of the West Bank and began establishing military training areas, including Masafer Yatta, which was declared Firing Zone 918 in 1980. Since then, there has been a dedicated campaign to establish settlements and expel the Palestinian residents. Harassment, intimidation, violence, obstruction of daily life and other forms of oppression are implemented by settlers and, when not directly participating themselves, are protected by Israeli police and army; collectively referred to by Palestinians as ‘occupational forces’. Yet, despite this, life continues.

Amongst the hardship, a traditional way of life aligned with their identity and connection to the land persists and is shared by the next generations whilst retaining their youthful spirit. Though the future of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta is uncertain, for now they remain. And with that, their residence acts as a form of resistance.