Israeli settlers went on a destructive spree in multiple Palestinian villages from Saturday night into Sunday, causing chaos by vandalizing cars, setting fires, and injuring several individuals in the occupied West Bank. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA documented attacks in at least six communities on Sunday. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that three Palestinians in Jalud village sustained head injuries from assaults by settlers and were hospitalized, with some settlers also reportedly getting injured.
The violence coincided with Israel’s ongoing establishment of new settlements in the occupied West Bank. These attacks by settlers have escalated amid a broader surge in violence since the Iran conflict began. Israel’s military responded to reports of Israeli civilians committing arson and causing disturbances in the area but did not disclose any arrests or investigations initiated.
WAFA highlighted attacks in Silat al Dahr and Fandaqumiya near Jenin, Jalud and Salfit south of Nablus, and in the agricultural regions of Masafer Yatta and the Jordan Valley. During the assaults, which occurred during the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, homes and cars were set on fire, Palestinians were subjected to pepper spray, and at least five people were injured.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that 25 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and soldiers this year as of March 15. Additionally, the Palestinian Authority has documented a series of arson attacks, including on mosques, throughout the territory.
The overnight violence followed the death of an 18-year-old settler in a collision with a Palestinian vehicle near two of the attacked villages. Police are investigating claims by the settlers that the collision was intentional.