Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles, and agricultural fields. The violence began after a teenage settler - 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman - was killed on Saturday, after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike. Police are investigating whether the incident was a deliberate act or accidental.
In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a revenge campaign over Sherman's death, according to Haaretz newspaper. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, with various sources indicating that violence has surged since the US and Israel engaged in military actions against Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since March 1, as per the United Nations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops and border police units were dispatched to Palestinian villages where they received reports of Israeli civilians committing acts of arson and creating disturbances. The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.
Footage circulating online showed large groups of masked individuals attacking Jalud, with reports of numerous vehicles ablaze and buildings damaged. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that at least three Palestinians suffered head injuries while confronting the attackers.
Warnings from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault as an act of terror against civilians and vital infrastructure. The Ministry criticized the attacks occurring during the holy month of Eid al-Fitr.
Tensions remain high as protests from settlers have continued, with additional actions reported against several Palestinian villages, prompting further escalations in violence. Calls from the EU and UK have urged Israel to address and halt growing settler violence since the onset of the conflict in Iran. The UN has recorded a concerning increase in violent incidents, with a significant number of Palestinians harmed or killed due to escalating tensions.
In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a revenge campaign over Sherman's death, according to Haaretz newspaper. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, with various sources indicating that violence has surged since the US and Israel engaged in military actions against Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since March 1, as per the United Nations.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops and border police units were dispatched to Palestinian villages where they received reports of Israeli civilians committing acts of arson and creating disturbances. The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.
Footage circulating online showed large groups of masked individuals attacking Jalud, with reports of numerous vehicles ablaze and buildings damaged. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that at least three Palestinians suffered head injuries while confronting the attackers.
Warnings from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault as an act of terror against civilians and vital infrastructure. The Ministry criticized the attacks occurring during the holy month of Eid al-Fitr.
Tensions remain high as protests from settlers have continued, with additional actions reported against several Palestinian villages, prompting further escalations in violence. Calls from the EU and UK have urged Israel to address and halt growing settler violence since the onset of the conflict in Iran. The UN has recorded a concerning increase in violent incidents, with a significant number of Palestinians harmed or killed due to escalating tensions.
