Zionist Settlers Set Fire to Palestinian Land and Attack Civilians in West Bank
Israeli settlers have heightened their aggressive actions in the occupied West Bank, reportedly setting ablaze Palestinian agricultural lands and ramping up assaults on Palestinian communities, according to local sources.
On Friday, Israeli settlers set ablaze extensive areas of agricultural land belonging to residents of al-Mughayyir village, located in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.
Under military protection, forces cleared Palestinian-owned land in Beit Ta’mar village, located in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, to facilitate the expansion of an unauthorized settlement.
Since October 7, 2023, following the onset of hostilities by Israeli forces against the Gaza Strip, there has been a notable uptick in the frequency of incursions by settlers into Palestinian homes and lands in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlers have launched indiscriminate assaults, leading to significant Palestinian casualties and extensive property destruction. These incursions frequently serve as a pretext for demolishing Palestinian homes, setting their lands ablaze, and establishing new settlements.
These violent incidents not only cause physical harm to Palestinians but also exacerbate the ongoing displacement and dispossession of families residing in the occupied territories.
Israeli settlers reportedly entered the Arab al-Mlaihat community in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho on Friday.
Hasan Mlaihat, the supervisor at the al-Baidar Organization for the Defense of Bedouin Rights, reported that settlers forcefully entered the community, assaulted the residents, and sprayed pepper in their faces.
He reported that settlers attacked a resident, inflicting injuries and causing breathing difficulties due to pepper spray exposure. Additionally, they intimidated the victim’s family members.
Israeli forces launched an operation in the town of Tuqu, located southeast of the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, during the same day.
Taysir Abu Mifreh, director of the Tuqu Municipality, reported that soldiers shot a 19-year-old individual, resulting in a foot injury.
Israeli forces consistently accompany settlers during raids, providing support with live ammunition in the event of Palestinian resistance.
Nearly one million Israeli settlers reside in communities within the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, actions that are considered a breach of international law.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that from October 7, 2023, to May 2, 2025, the Israeli authorities have been responsible for the deaths of at least 926 Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, among whom 196 were children.
