Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties

Jewish Extremists Launch Attacks on Palestinian Villages in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions

Following the death of 18-year-old settler Yehuda Sherman, who was struck by a Palestinian driver while riding a quad bike, Jewish extremists in the occupied West Bank have escalated their assaults on Palestinian communities. Over 20 incidents were reported overnight, with multiple homes, vehicles, and farmland targeted in a coordinated wave of violence. The attacks, described as acts of retribution, have drawn condemnation from both local and international observers.

According to Israeli media, the violence intensified after settlers called for a “revenge campaign” through WhatsApp groups. One message claimed,

“Jews won’t remain silent over spilled Jewish blood,”

while another stated,

“We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.”

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least three civilians sustained head injuries during confrontations in Jalud, where attackers, many masked and clad in black, breached the village. Several buildings were damaged, and ambulances were called to scenes marked by burning cars and shattered windows.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed deploying troops and border police to several villages following reports of civilian arson and unrest. The targeted locations included Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah. A photograph shared online showed “Avenge Yehuda” spray-painted on a structure, symbolizing the settlers’ fury. Israeli police also arrested five individuals near Deir al-Hatab and noted an officer was injured during an attack on security forces near the Itamar settlement.

Settler violence has spiked since the Iran conflict began on 28 February. The UN reported six Palestinians killed by extremists since 1 March, while additional data showed seven deaths at the hands of settlers and 18 by Israeli forces in 2023, with 15 of these incidents occurring during the Iran war. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the attacks, calling them a “burning of homes and property, terrorising and killing of civilians, and the targeting of vital roads, junctions, and main streets during Eid al-Fitr.”

Protesters have been blocking roads in the West Bank, with unconfirmed reports suggesting settler groups gathered outside Palestinian villages again. WAFA, a local news agency, noted a car wash was set ablaze northwest of Nablus. Meanwhile, the funeral of Yehuda Sherman drew over 500 attendees, including Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has faced sanctions for inciting violence. Yesh Din, an Israeli rights group, labeled the attacks “a night of pogroms,” accusing authorities of failing to prevent the violence despite prior warnings.

Political leaders have also voiced concern. Yair Golan of the centre-left Democrats criticized the government, stating on X,

“While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border, under missile attacks and with many seriously wounded, this government is encouraging total anarchy. Jewish terrorism is spreading, exploiting the war, with the backing of extremist ministers and dangerous encouragement from the prime minister and the defence minister. This is a failure of responsibility for Israel’s security.”

The EU and UK previously urged Israel to curb the surge in settler violence, which has intensified since the Iran conflict began.