Israeli occupation forces, settler attacks escalate in West Bank
WEST BANK, Dec. 07 (YPA) – Several areas across the occupied West Bank experienced a series of violent assaults on Saturday, reportedly carried out by Israeli settlers and soldiers.
The attacks targeted Palestinian homes, included physical assaults on residents leading to injuries, and reflect a significant spike in field tension and violations.
Incidents in Hebron and Jericho
In Hebron, members of the Idris family in the “Khillet al-Natsh” area were allegedly assaulted by Zionist settlers from the “Avigayil” settlement and Israeli forces. The assault resulted in bruises and contusions that were treated on the scene.
In Jericho, three young men sustained injuries requiring hospitalization after being severely beaten by Israeli soldiers near a military checkpoint adjacent to the “Ma’ale Efraim” settlement while passing through the area.
Settler Incursions and Home Attacks
The village of Kisan, southeast of Bethlehem, was reportedly stormed by settlers under the protection of Israeli forces. Live fire was directed towards Palestinian homes, though no injuries were recorded. The village has faced recurring attacks, including theft of livestock.
In the northern West Bank, Israeli occupation forces conducted widespread raids in Jenin city and the towns of Arraba, Burqin, and Rummanah. These operations involved storming homes and temporarily detaining several young men before their subsequent release. Israeli forces also reportedly used live ammunition in some neighborhoods during their deployment.
Context of Escalation
These developments occur amid a noticeable surge in settler attacks in recent months, coinciding with continued extensive Israeli military deployment across the West Bank. Recurring attacks often involve property torching and assaults on farmers, preventing them from accessing their land.
Field data highlights the intensity of this escalation: the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission documented 2,144 incidents carried out by the Israeli military and settlers across the West Bank governorates in November alone. Of these, 621 attacks were attributed solely to settlers, marking one of the highest recorded waves of violations this year.
YPA