Extremist Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank have carried out a series of attacks on Palestinian villages, setting fire to homes, vehicles, and agricultural fields while causing extensive property damage. The violence erupted after the death of 18-year-old settler Yehuda Sherman on Saturday, who was reportedly struck by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian. Israeli police are investigating whether the incident was deliberate or accidental.
Following reports of the attacks, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a "revenge campaign." Israeli media cited a defense official stating that over 20 settler attacks were recorded overnight. According to the United Nations, settler violence has surged since the US and Israeli attack on Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since March 1.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated in a release that troops and border police units were deployed to several Palestinian villages on Saturday night after receiving reports of Israeli civilians "committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area." Among the targeted villages were Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah. Footage circulated online appears to show more than 90 individuals dressed in black, many masked, storming into Jalud.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that at least three Palestinians sustained head injuries and were hospitalized after confronting attackers in Jalud. Israeli media noted messages in settler WhatsApp groups, including one that read, "Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood." The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault, describing it as involving "the burning of homes and property, terrorizing and killing of civilians, and targeting vital roads, junctions, and main streets during Eid al-Fitr."
Israeli police announced on Sunday that border guards had arrested five individuals near Deir al-Hatab village and that an officer was injured after several Israeli civilians attacked security forces near the Itamar settlement. Police claimed to be operating "with zero tolerance toward extremist violent individuals." The Israeli civil rights group Yesh Din, which works to protect Palestinian rights, labeled the attacks "a night of pogroms."
Israeli media reported that over 500 people attended Yehuda Sherman's funeral on Sunday afternoon, including Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been sanctioned by the UK and other countries for inciting violence against Palestinians. On Sunday evening, Jewish settlers blocked roads in protest across the West Bank.
Earlier this month, the European Union and the United Kingdom demanded that Israel halt the surge in settler violence against Palestinians that has occurred since the war in Iran began on February 28. UN data indicates that since the start of the year, seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and 18 by Israeli forces, with 15 of those killings taking place since the Iran war started. The leader of Israel's center-left Democrats, Yair Golan, condemned the latest attacks, accusing Israel's government of enabling the violence.
Source: www.bbc.com