Is Israeli Settler Violence Surging in the West Bank?

Is Israeli Settler Violence Surging in the West Bank?

Extremist Jewish settlers have intensified their attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank. The escalation follows the tragic death of 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman, who was struck by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian. This has led to settler groups calling for revenge and over 20 attacks reported overnight.

Surge in violence comes after the US and Israel attacked Iran, resulting in six Palestinian deaths since March 1. The Israel Defense Forces have deployed troops to several villages to address the situation. EU and UK have demanded Israel stop the rising settler violence.

The attacks have targeted villages like Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah, with footage showing numerous vehicles on fire and buildings with smashed windows. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that at least three Palestinians were injured in confrontations.

Settler groups have been using social media to incite violence, with one WhatsApp post urging 'Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood' and another demanding 'vengeance and expulsion of the enemy.'

EU and UK have strongly condemned the attacks, calling for Israel to halt settler violence. The Palestinian Authority has called the incidents as acts of terror, while the UN reports that seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers since the start of the year, 15 of whom died after the Iran war began.

Israel has built around 160 settlements housing nearly 700,000 Jews in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are illegal under international law. With over 3 million Palestinians living alongside them, this raises serious concerns about the human rights and international law violations.

This article highlights the ongoing conflict in the West Bank, with settlers targeting Palestinian communities, leading to increased violence and calls for revenge.