Dozens of masked Israeli settlers stormed two Palestinian villages on Tuesday evening. They targeted Beit Lid east of Tulkarm and Deir Sharaf in the occupied West Bank. Settlers hurled stones and set fires to property.
Videos captured the violence. Flames engulfed dairy trucks and farmland. Additionally, settlers torched Bedouin tents and tin shacks.
Injuries and Damage Assessed
Four Palestinians suffered injuries during the assaults. The Palestinian Red Crescent treated three victims beaten with sticks and stones. Medical teams evacuated them quickly.
The attacks damaged the Al-Juneidi dairy factory. Four trucks burned completely. Moreover, agricultural areas and structures faced destruction.
Authorities Respond
The Israeli military dispatched soldiers to the scene. They used riot dispersal methods to break up the clashes. Consequently, forces arrested four Israeli suspects for extremist violence.
Settlers regrouped near an industrial zone. They attacked the soldiers and damaged a military vehicle. Police and Shin Bet now investigate the incident.
Surge in Settler Violence
This event highlights a rise in attacks against Palestinians. The United Nations reports over 260 settler assaults in October alone. This marks the highest number since tracking started in 2006.
Many incidents target the olive harvest season. Over 140 Palestinians endured injuries recently. Furthermore vandals harmed about 4,200 trees and saplings.
Broader Implications and Context
Palestinian officials condemn the violence. Muayyad Shaaban calls it a campaign to displace residents. He accuses Israel of providing settlers with protection.
Israeli lawmaker Gilad Kariv warns of escalation. He fears extremists aim to spark a third intifada. However, far-right leaders in government approve more settlements.
Related attacks occurred days earlier. In Beita and Burin villages, settlers injured activists and farmers. Witnesses describe brutal beatings during olive picking.
Human rights groups urge action. They criticize the army for failing to stop assaults. In addition, international leaders like Emmanuel Macron denounce the violence.This surge threatens West Bank stability. Palestinians face daily fears amid ongoing conflicts. Yet calls for sanctions grow stronger.
