Israeli Settlers Go On Rampage Through Palestinian Villages In The West Bank

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — Israeli settlers attacked several Palestinian villages Saturday night and into Sunday, smashing cars, opening fire and wounding scores of people in the latest flare-up of violence in the occupied West Bank.

The official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, reported attacks in at least six communities on Sunday. The Palestinian Red Crescent said that at least three Palestinians in the village of Jalud suffered head injuries from beatings and were taken to hospital after encountering settlers, who were also injured.

Violence broke out after the Israeli government took action new settlements In the occupied West Bank. Attacks by settlers have intensified with a broader increase in violence since the start of the Iranian war.

The Israeli military said it was responding to Israeli civilians “arsoning structures and property, as well as creating unrest in the area” but did not report any arrests or say whether an investigation had been opened.

WAFA reported attacks in the villages of Silat al Dahr and Fandaqumiya near Jenin; in Jalud and Salfit, south of Nablus; and in the agricultural regions of Masafer Yatta and the Jordan Valley. The agency said houses and cars were set on fire, Palestinians were sprayed with pepper gas and at least five people were injured in attacks carried out throughout the night during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which celebrates the end of Ramadan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 25 Palestinians had been killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers as of March 15 this year. The Palestinian Authority has also documented a number of arson attacks, including on mosques, throughout the region.

The attack came a day after an 18-year-old settler was killed when he collided with a Palestinian vehicle in the area near two of the attacked villages. Police said they were investigating settlers’ claims that the collision was intentional.