Israeli settlers set fire to homes and cars in the West Bank

Violence Erupts in West Bank as Settlers Target Palestinian Communities

Reports emerged on Saturday of violent clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in several areas of the occupied West Bank. At least one person was wounded in the violence, which occurred amid Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

According to local sources cited by the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Israeli settlers stormed the village of al-Fandaqumiya and the town of Seilat al-Dahr, south of Jenin, late on Saturday. In al-Fandaqumiya, settlers set fire to homes and vehicles, damaging additional houses by smashing windows. In Seilat al-Dahr, settlers targeted several homes, attempted to set them ablaze, and physically assaulted a resident, leaving him wounded.

Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed large fires burning inside homes in Seilat al-Dahr, and another house engulfed in flames in al-Fandaqumiya. Residents of both areas were seen attempting to extinguish the fires.

Similar incidents were reported in other areas of the West Bank, including Masafer Yatta, where settlers wounded two Palestinians. Three others were arrested after settlers stormed the area under the protection of Israeli forces.

Settler violence has been a recurring issue in the occupied territory, with reports of attacks on Palestinian villages and towns. In recent weeks, there have been several incidents of settler violence, including an attack on a mosque near Nablus during Ramadan.

According to UN figures, at least 1,094 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 2023. Human rights groups have accused Israeli authorities of allowing settlers to operate with impunity in their attacks against Palestinians.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that two people were wounded on Saturday night after being shot by Israeli forces at the Jabara checkpoint.

Source: Al Jazeera