Israeli settlers attack Palestinian homes in West Bank
Masked Israeli settlers launched their first major attack since initiating a siege in the village of Qusra earlier this month. Saturday's attacks were met with rare criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Saturday, Israeli settlers targeted Palestinian homes in the West Bank, hurling rocks at residents and trapping them inside their houses. This marked the first significant attack by settlers since they initiated a siege in the villages of Qusra and Jalud earlier in the month. When several Palestinians attempted to barricade themselves within a home, the settlers followed them inside, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Security forces arrived at the scene and initially aimed to remove the rioters, protect those inside, and gather evidence, as stated in an IDF statement. Palestinian media claimed the IDF shielded the settlers during the unrest. Some Palestinians reported being pepper-sprayed by settlers and others alleging that the IDF fired tear gas inside a home while simultaneously releasing the settlers.
Residents were reportedly held captive in their homes for hours, awaiting assistance from the IDF. The IDF has not commented on allegations of tear gas usage or reports of beatings. These attacks occurred in close proximity to three additional Qusra homes under siege for three weeks by radical Jewish settlers. Despite a substantial Israeli military presence, residents maintained that their homes remained under siege.
Rights organizations assert that settler aggression constitutes an illegal endeavor to seize land from West Bank residents with aspirations of establishing an independent Palestinian state. The Israeli government has dismissed allegations of illegality. Various Israeli politicians justify settlements on security grounds or biblical principles.
The IDF plans to maintain a presence in Qusra and Jalud to quell disturbances and restore order. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the violence in Qusra and Jalud on Saturday, stating that a few rioters are committing grave injustices against law-abiding citizens and harming Israel's global reputation. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the radical settlers in the West Bank Israeli terrorists, alleging they could face US sanctions.
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