Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Homes in West Bank

Israeli settlers engaged in a violent attack on Palestinian homes in the West Bank on Saturday, hurling rocks at the residents and forcing them to flee their homes. This incident marked the first major attack by Israeli settlers since they initiated a siege in the villages of Qusra and Jalud earlier in the month. Upon arriving at the scene, Israeli security forces initially aimed to remove the rioters and separate the groups, as reported by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, Palestinian media claimed that the IDF sided with the settlers during the altercation.

According to eyewitnesses, some Palestinians sustained injuries after being pepper-sprayed by settlers, while others reported that other settlers attempted to burn nearby Palestinian fields. Furthermore, a Palestinian individual claimed that IDF forces had deployed tear gas into the residence he was in and detained several people inside while allowing the settlers to escape.

Additionally, several Palestinians recounted that IDF officers had handcuffed, blindfolded, and physically assaulted residents trapped inside before releasing them.

Local Palestinians mentioned that they had been confined in their homes for hours, awaiting assistance from the IDF. However, the IDF refused to comment on the usage of tear gas or allegations of handcuffs and beatings. The attacks took place near three other Qusra homes that radical Jewish settlers had besieged three weeks earlier. The Israeli military presence in the region, according to local Palestinians, kept them confined to their houses.

Criticism of the Israeli government's involvement in the violence has been scarce, particularly from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Saturday, Netanyahu condemned the violent acts in Qusra and Jalud, accusing the perpetrators of violating the law and causing injustice to law-abiding Jewish citizens. He also criticized the interference with IDF operations and the harm inflicted on Israel's international standing.

Despite the endorsement of settlement construction by the far-right Israeli government, the Saturday assault managed to provoke infrequent criticism from Netanyahu. The IDF stated that they would continue to maintain order in Qusra and Jalud to prevent further disturbances.