Marwan Darweish, Mahmoud Soliman, and Andrew Rigby have published a new book titled “Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine” (Bristol University Press, 2026). The book is based on insights from their Creating Safer Safe project “Safety and dignity: Enhancing unarmed civilian protection amongst Palestinian communities in the South Hebron Hills (Masafer Yatta)“
The publisher writes about the book:
“This book offers a compelling look at how unarmed civilian protection (UCP) practitioners work to enhance the level of security experienced by local Palestinians, supporting community-based resistance to rocketing levels of dispossession and ethnic-cleansing in the occupied West Bank.
Drawing on first-hand field research, the authors reveal the daily realities of providing a protective presence against violence and displacement. Crucially, the book highlights the vital role of international UCP solidarity networks in supporting local efforts and examines what difference they can make in the face of increasing levels of settler violence. It is essential reading for those seeking practical pathways for nonviolent action and global solidarity.”
Reviews:
“A must-read on UCP asking the right questions about protection and safety of protected and protectors in a violence-ridden environment.”
Christine Schweitzer, Institut für Friedensarbeit und Gewaltfreie Konfliktaustragung
“An exceptional ethnographic and analytical work that vividly captures creative and courageous nonviolent action through a rich case study of the Hebron Hills in Palestine.”
Mohammed Abu-Nimer, Professor and Abdulaziz Said Chair for Peace and Conflict Resolution, School of International Service, American University
The book is available open access HERE (under CC-BY-NC-ND licence).
