Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
Israeli Settlers Launch Attacks on Palestinian Villages in West Bank
A wave of assaults by Jewish extremists in the occupied West Bank has led to the destruction of homes, vehicles, and farmland, according to recent reports. The incidents follow the killing of 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman, a settler, on Saturday after he was hit by a Palestinian driver’s vehicle while riding a quad bike. Israeli police are examining whether the collision was intentional or accidental. In response, WhatsApp groups within settler communities called for a “revenge campaign,” sparking overnight attacks on more than 20 Palestinian villages, as stated by an Israeli defense official.
Triggered by a Tragic Loss
The violence escalated after the death of Yehuda Sherman, with settlers rallying in solidarity. Footage circulating online, though unverified by the BBC, depicted over 90 individuals in black, many masked, entering Jalud village. Other clips showed flaming cars, shattered windows, and emergency sirens as ambulances arrived. A graffiti reading “Avenge Yehuda” was spotted on a building, highlighting the motive behind the attacks. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported at least three Palestinians sustaining head injuries during confrontations in Jalud, with some attackers also reportedly wounded.
Government Response and Casualties
The Israel Defense Forces deployed troops and border police to several villages following reports of civilian-led arson and unrest. Targeted locations included Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah. Meanwhile, Israeli police arrested five settlers near Deir al-Hatab and injured one officer during an attack on security forces near Itamar. Officials emphasized zero tolerance for extremist violence, as seen in their statement.
International Criticism and Condemnation
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, describing them as a coordinated effort to burn homes, terrorize civilians, and disrupt key roads during Eid al-Fitr. Yesh Din, an Israeli civil rights group, called the violence “a night of pogroms,” criticizing the lack of preventive action despite prior warnings. Over 500 people attended Yehuda Sherman’s funeral, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has faced sanctions for inciting anti-Palestinian aggression.
Escalating Tensions and Global Calls for Action
Since the Iran conflict began on 28 February, settler violence has intensified. The UN noted six Palestinian deaths attributed to settlers since 1 March, while the total number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers in 2024 reached 25. Of these, 15 occurred after the Iran war started. The EU and UK recently urged Israel to stop the surge in settler attacks. Meanwhile, Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, accused the government of enabling chaos, stating: “While we fight in Iran and on the northern border, this government is encouraging total anarchy. Jewish terrorism is spreading, exploiting the war with support from extremist ministers and the prime minister.”
