Illegal Settlers Attack Palestinian Villages in West Bank
RAMALLAH, Palestine – A local Palestinian official was injured Thursday evening when a group of illegal Israeli settlers stormed Al-Malih in the northern occupied West Bank, local sources reported to Anadolu.
Assault on Local Official
Approximately 30 settlers entered the village and physically assaulted council chief Mahdi Daraghmeh, leaving him in need of medical care. He was taken to a nearby health facility for treatment. During the raid, the settlers also damaged property and set several vehicles on fire.
Israeli forces subsequently entered the village following the attack.
Separate Attack in Masafer Yatta
In a related incident on Friday, a Palestinian woman sustained injuries during an attack by settlers in the Masafer Yatta, according to local activist Osama Makhamra of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission. Armed settlers reportedly stormed the home of Fadel Al-Hamamda in Khirbet Al-Mafqara and assaulted members of his family.
Khadra Al-Hamamda suffered bruises and contusions and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Rising Tensions in the West Bank
These attacks reflect increasing violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Last week, Israel approved measures aimed at altering the legal and civil framework in the region, which Palestinians say would strengthen Israeli control.
Since launching a military campaign in Gaza on October 8, 2023, Israel has intensified operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Palestinians view these actions—including killings, arrests, displacement, and settlement expansion—as steps toward formal annexation of the territory.
In July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories is illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
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