A year after Awdah’s killing, Umm Al-Khair struggles for its own survival

A year after the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen by an Israeli settler, his community of Umm Al-Khair faces ongoing settler violence, expansion of a new outpost, and the threat of demolition. The killer remains free, with prosecutors yet to decide on an indictment. A memorial ceremony was disrupted by Israeli forces.

On July 28, 2026, family, friends, and activists gathered in Umm Al-Khair to mark one year since the killing of Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist and teacher shot dead by Israeli settler Yinon Levi. The memorial, attended by Knesset members Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, was repeatedly disrupted by Israeli forces who threw Cassif to the ground and assaulted activists. Levi remains free; prosecutors have yet to decide on an indictment, with a decision expected soon. A forensic investigation by Al-Haq concluded Levi unlawfully shot Hathaleen despite no threat. Since the killing, settlers established a new outpost overlooking the village, connected to electricity and water, while Palestinians receive water only a few hours weekly. Residents report daily settler violence, land seizures, and the destruction of a cemetery. Salem Hathaleen, Awdah's brother, sold most of his livestock due to insecurity and loss of grazing access. The community faces the looming threat of wholesale demolition.