This American Life 865: The Other Territory
17 snips
Aug 24, 2025 Yael Even-Or, an Israeli journalist focusing on Palestinian communities, joins Ali Awad, a dedicated villager from Tuba, to explore recent tensions in the West Bank. They highlight the increasing settler violence and the impact of military checkpoints on daily life. Ali shares his experiences delivering essential services and protecting his community amidst escalating threats. The discussion paints a gripping picture of resilience and the harsh realities faced by Palestinians under occupation, revealing both hope and despair in a fraught environment.
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Everyday Travel Has Become Unpredictable
- Checkpoints and roadblocks now change daily and dramatically slow Palestinian travel across the West Bank.
- Hamid and others must learn routes and private networks to navigate an unpredictable system that increases stress and delays.
Creating Facts To Foreclose Statehood
- Minister Bezalel Smotrich's stated plan aims to create facts on the ground that bury the notion of a Palestinian state.
- The expansion of settlements and new construction are framed as irreversible realities to preempt diplomatic recognition.
One Man, One Car, Whole Village
- Ali, 27, became Tuba's de facto driver, ambulance, and courier because the village has one steep rocky road and is surrounded by settlements.
- He uses his Dacia Duster to shuttle residents to school, doctors, and police despite risks and long detours.
