Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Following the killing of 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman on Saturday, Jewish settlers have launched a wave of assaults against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate multiple homes, vehicles, and agricultural plots were torched in the attacks. Israeli police are examining whether the incident involving Sherman, who was struck by a car while riding a quad bike, was intentional or accidental.
Revenge Campaign Spawns Violence
Settler groups, utilizing WhatsApp networks, called for a “revenge campaign” after Sherman’s death. Over 20 attacks were documented overnight, per Israeli media sources. A defense official confirmed the surge in violence, linking it to the recent conflict with Iran. The UN reported six Palestinians killed by settlers since March 1, as tensions escalated.
Armed Response and Evidence of Attacks
The Israel Defense Forces deployed troops and border police to several villages following reports of civilian aggression. Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah were among the targeted areas. Online footage, though unverified, shows more than 90 individuals in black, some masked, entering Jalud. Burning vehicles, shattered windows, and emergency sirens are depicted in the clips. A photo displays “Avenge Yehuda” scrawled on a building.
Palestinian Red Crescent Response
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society noted at least three Palestinians sustained head injuries during confrontations in Jalud, with some attackers also reportedly wounded. Israeli media cited a WhatsApp post stating, “Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood,” and another declaring, “We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.”
Political Condemnation and Security Concerns
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence, describing it as an attack during Eid al-Fitr that targeted homes, roads, and civilians. Israeli police arrested five people near Deir al-Hatab and reported an officer injured during clashes with settlers near Itamar. Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights group, called the events “a night of pogroms,” criticizing the lack of preventive action despite prior warnings.
Funeral and International Reactions
Over 500 attended Sherman’s funeral, including Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, sanctioned by the UK for inciting violence. On Sunday evening, settlers blocked roads in protest. Unconfirmed reports suggest some groups gathered outside Palestinian villages, with WAFA noting a car wash set ablaze northwest of Nablus.
Global Calls for Ceasefire
The EU and UK urged Israel to halt the increase in settler violence since the Iran conflict began on February 28. According to the UN, seven Palestinians were killed by settlers this year, while 18 were killed by Israeli forces, with 15 of these occurring since the Iran war commenced. Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s center-left Democrats, criticized the government, accusing it of fostering anarchy. He tweeted, “While we face missile attacks and wounded soldiers, this government allows total chaos. Jewish terrorism spreads, backed by extremist ministers and encouragement from the prime minister and defense minister. This is a failure of responsibility for Israel’s security.”