DaysofPal – A new wave of attacks by Israeli settlers has targeted several areas across the occupied West Bank, with Palestinians reporting assaults on residents, attempts to seize livestock, damage to property, and efforts to prevent farmers from accessing their land. Local residents and officials also accused Israeli forces of supporting the attacks, warning that violence is likely to intensify in the coming period.
Local sources reported that Israeli settlers attacked the village of Umm Safa, northwest of Ramallah, in an attempt to take Palestinian-owned livestock in daylight robbery carried out with the participation of Israeli forces.
Villagers tried to stop the settlers from taking the animals, but Israeli forces intervened by firing live ammunition, rubber-coated bullets, and stun grenades at residents, leaving several Palestinians injured.
Al Jazeera reported that its crew was unable to reach the village because Israeli occupation forces had completely sealed it off with military gates.
Village Official Warns Security Situation Is Worsening
Marwan Sabah, head of Umm Safa’s village council, said the security situation has continued to deteriorate.
“The village is completely closed, completely besieged, and subjected to constant attacks by settler groups. The situation in Umm Safa is becoming more dangerous day after day,” he said.
Sabah added that four residents were injured by rubber-coated bullets, while two others suffered fractures during physical confrontations with settlers. The wounded were treated inside the village.
The violence was not limited to Umm Safa. Local sources said settlers also attempted to storm homes in the village of Jalud, south of Nablus.
In addition, settlers reportedly prevented Palestinian farmers from harvesting wheat on lands belonging to the villages of Beit Dajan, Salem, and Beit Furik, east of Nablus.
More Than 3,500 Settler Attacks Recorded This Year
The latest incidents come amid a sustained rise in settler violence. The Palestinian Commission Against the Wall and Settlements said Israeli settlers have carried out more than 3,500 attacks against Palestinians since the beginning of the year, making it one of the most violent periods in recent years.
Amir Daoud, the commission’s director of documentation, said the current escalation is linked to political developments in Israel, particularly the approach of national elections.
“This peak is taking on a more violent and terroristic character from settler militias because of the political changes within the Israeli government, including the approaching Israeli elections,” Daoud said. “The Israeli government and society view Palestinian blood as election material.”
Palestinian towns and communities across the occupied West Bank have experienced a growing number of settler attacks targeting residents and their property, with Palestinian officials saying the assaults are intended to pressure communities into leaving their land to facilitate settlement expansion and the establishment of new outposts.
In addition to approximately 250,000 settlers living in settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, the Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now said that some 500,000 Israeli settlers live in settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Since October 8, 2023, the occupied West Bank has witnessed intensified Israeli military operations and settler attacks. According to official Palestinian figures, the escalation has resulted in the killing of 1,175 Palestinians, the injury of 12,919 others, the arrest of approximately 24,000 people, and the displacement of 33,000 Palestinians.
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