The arrest of Shireen, a Palestinian woman living near Bethlehem, underscores the worsening situation in the West Bank. Shireen, known for her “radiant green eyes” and hospitality, was taken into custody by the Israeli military. Her whereabouts and the duration of her detention remain unknown.

The arrest is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Palestinians. This event has cast a shadow over a previous joyful occasion: the release of Shireen’s brother from prison after more than ten years. Shireen was interviewed on TV news. At the time of his release, there was hope for better times, but now, according to reports, the situation in Palestine is worse than ever before.

Shireen’s story illustrates the disruption to daily life and cultural traditions. Prior to her arrest, she was deeply involved in her community, particularly during the olive harvest. The olive harvest is an important cultural and economic event for Palestinian families. During this time, Shireen and her family welcomed human rights observers into their home, sharing their traditions and hospitality.

The situation in Palestine is dire. With the attack on Iran, Netanyahu has succeeded in diverting focus from Israel’s warfare in Gaza, which the International Court of Justice is investigating for charges of genocide, and the daily abuses of the civilian population in the West Bank. The author is imploring Danish politicians to stop supporting Netanyahu’s war crimes.