Israeli settlers launched coordinated attacks across the occupied West Bank overnight from Saturday into Sunday. Security forces stood by while homes and vehicles were set ablaze in at least half a dozen locations. Witnesses described the incidents as targeted raids on Palestinian communities during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Local sources cited by the official Palestinian news agency Wafa indicated settlers entered al-Fandaqumiya and Seilat al-Dahr south of Jenin. In al-Fandaqumiya, arsonists destroyed residences and smashed windows while residents attempted to extinguish fires. A resident in Seilat al-Dahr was beaten and left injured during the incursions.
Further violence occurred in Masafer Yatta south of Hebron where two Palestinians were wounded. Three individuals were arrested after settlers entered the area reportedly under the protection of Israeli forces. Similar raids took place in Qaryout and Jaloud south of Nablus where vehicles burned.
Witnesses told The Guardian that Israeli troops and police arrived on village outskirts by 2am but did not stop the attacks. Footage captured hooded settlers withdrawing from Jaloud while a fire engine was vandalized. At least five cars were burned during successive waves of raids involving about 100 masked men.
Comparable incidents were reported near Haris west of Salfit and Rawabi in the Ramallah area. Throwings of stones at passing Palestinian vehicles were also documented in Tuqou south-east of Bethlehem. The violence unfolded during a religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan fasting.
This escalation follows a surge in tensions since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The United Nations stated that Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since that time. Human rights organizations note that such attacks often occur with little accountability for the perpetrators involved. Data from these reports highlights the severity of the humanitarian situation in the region.
The Israeli human rights group B'Tselem accused the government of enabling settler violence publicly. They claim this strategy aims to cement the takeover of Palestinian land within the occupied territory. The UN warned that current policies risk forcibly displacing Palestinian communities permanently from their homes.
Israeli military officials stated they responded to incidents involving arson against structures but reported no arrests. Leader Yair Golan of Israel’s centre-left Democrats condemned the violence on Sunday via social media platforms. He accused the government of encouraging total anarchy while fighting on multiple fronts simultaneously.
B'Tselem reported on 15 March that Israeli troops opened fire on a vehicle in Tamoun killing a Palestinian couple and two children. The names of the victims were identified as Ali Bani Odeh and his wife Waad Bani Odeh along with their sons. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed Israeli forces shot and wounded two Palestinians at the Jabara checkpoint. At least 26 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of the year.
Human rights reports also detailed allegations of sexual violence against a Palestinian man by settlers in March. Analysts suggest these events signal a deepening security crisis that could impact regional stability. Future developments will depend on whether accountability measures are implemented against perpetrators. International observers will continue monitoring the humanitarian situation closely. Regional partners and international bodies are expected to issue statements regarding the recent violence.
