Egypt Daily News – Israeli settlers launched attacks on Palestinian homes in the vicinity of Mount Sabih in the town of Beita, south of Nablus.
Reports that the attacks resulted in property damage, while the Israeli army continues to provide protection to the attacking settlers, further escalating tensions in the area. These attacks come at a time when the West Bank is witnessing ongoing escalation by settlers against Palestinian civilians and their properties.
Local residents reported that settlers stormed the village, shooting live ammunition and throwing teargas canisters at those attempting to extinguish the flames. CCTV footage showed masked individuals entering Palestinian properties, throwing objects, and damaging a security camera. “They climbed onto the roof and began throwing stones,” said local resident Maysoom Msalam. “They broke the door and windows, then set fire to the door and entered, setting the house on fire.”
These attacks come amid growing calls from Israeli ministers for the full annexation of the West Bank, a territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war, which Palestinians consider the core of a future independent state, alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem.
According to the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA, there were at least 1,580 attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers last year, resulting in casualties or property damage, and another 220 since the start of this year. In one of the largest recent attacks, Bedouin families in the Jordan Valley reported that groups of Israeli settlers stole hundreds of sheep and goats last week, after accusing the Bedouin of attempting to steal their animals.
Most countries consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, a position rejected by Israel.
