A wave of violence swept across the occupied West Bank overnight, as Israeli settlers launched coordinated attacks on multiple Palestinian communities, setting homes and vehicles ablaze and injuring residents. The attacks, reported across at least six locations from Saturday into Sunday, unfolded during Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan, and represent a significant escalation in tensions already heightened by the ongoing war in Gaza. The incidents raise serious questions about security and accountability in the region, and the role of Israeli forces in preventing such attacks.
The most severe incidents were reported in al-Fandaqumiya and the nearby town of Seilat al-Dahr, south of Jenin, where settlers reportedly entered late Saturday, setting fire to homes and cars, and clashing with residents attempting to extinguish the flames, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Further attacks were reported in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, where two Palestinians were wounded and three were arrested, again reportedly under the protection of Israeli forces. The villages of Qaryout and Jaloud, south of Nablus, too came under attack, with vehicles burned and residents injured.
Footage circulating online and confirmed by multiple sources shows a four-wheel-drive vehicle in Jaloud completely destroyed by fire. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as approximately 100 masked settlers carried out successive raids, vandalizing property and attacking residents. Israeli troops were present on the outskirts of the villages, but witnesses claim they did not intervene to stop the attacks or prevent settlers from moving between communities. A CCTV camera captured footage of a large group of hooded settlers withdrawing from Jaloud.
Escalation of Violence and Lack of Intervention
The timing of these attacks, coinciding with Eid al-Fitr, has drawn condemnation from Palestinian officials and human rights groups. The attacks are part of a broader trend of increasing settler violence in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. According to the United Nations, Israeli forces and settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since that date. The UN reports detail a significant increase in incidents of settler violence, including property destruction, physical assaults, and intimidation.
The Israeli military confirmed responding to incidents of “arson against structures and property” and disturbances, but did not report any arrests. This lack of intervention has fueled accusations that the government is enabling settler violence. Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s centre-left Democrats, condemned the violence on Sunday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border…this government is encouraging total anarchy. Jewish terrorism is spreading…with the backing of extremist ministers.”
While we are fighting in Iran and on the northern border, under missile attacks and with many seriously wounded, this government is encouraging total anarchy. Jewish terrorism is spreading, exploiting the war, with the backing of extremist ministers and dangerous encouragement from the prime minister and the defence minister. Here’s a failure of responsibility for Israel’s security.
— Yair Golan (@YairGolan1) March 24, 2024
Accountability Concerns and Allegations of Government Complicity
Human rights organizations have long raised concerns about the lack of accountability for settler violence in the West Bank. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, has accused the government of enabling such violence “as part of a strategy to cement the takeover of Palestinian land.” The UN has also warned that Israeli policies in the West Bank risk forcibly displacing Palestinian communities. B’Tselem’s documentation of settler violence details a pattern of impunity and a lack of effective law enforcement.
Beyond the recent attacks, incidents in March highlight the escalating tensions. On March 15, Israeli troops in Tamoun, in the northern Jordan Valley, opened fire on a vehicle, killing Ali Bani Odeh, 38, his wife Waad Bani Odeh, 36, and their sons Othman, six, and Mohammad, five. Two other children in the vehicle sustained shrapnel injuries. The Guardian reported that soldiers initially prevented ambulances from reaching the scene. In another incident, settlers were accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian man, tying his genitalia with zip ties and parading him naked in front of his family, according to both the victim and witnesses. The New York Times detailed the horrific account of this assault.
Recent Fatalities and Arrests
Since the beginning of 2024, Israel has killed at least 26 Palestinians in the West Bank, with at least 18 of those deaths resulting from shootings by Israeli military forces. On Saturday, Israeli forces also shot and wounded two Palestinians at the Jabara checkpoint, south of Tulkarem, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. These incidents underscore the volatile security situation and the increasing risk to Palestinian lives.
The situation remains highly sensitive. Israeli authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the recent settler attacks. The international community continues to call for de-escalation and accountability. The next significant development is expected to be a statement from the Israeli government regarding its response to the escalating violence and its commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the violence in the West Bank, resources are available. The International Committee of the Red Cross provides humanitarian assistance and support. For mental health support, you can contact the Mental Health America helpline.
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