West Bank Settler Violence Reaches Historic High, UN Reports
Masked Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian communities in the West Bank this week. They torched property and injured four people. The incident occurred near Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf.
According to the Israeli military, dozens of masked civilians were involved. The UN reports such attacks hit a record high in October. This surge in violence is creating major tensions.
The settlers set fire to dairy trucks and farmland. They also destroyed Bedouin tents and tin rooms. The Palestinian Red Crescent treated three people for injuries from stones and sticks.
Israeli police arrested four suspects for questioning. The army stated settlers later attacked its own soldiers. They also damaged a military vehicle.
The United Nations tracks these incidents. It recorded 264 settler attacks on Palestinians in October alone. This is the highest monthly number since records began in 2006.
The West Bank is home to 2.7 million Palestinians. It is central to plans for a future Palestinian state. Israeli settlements have expanded rapidly there.
Most countries view the settlements as illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical and security reasons. About half a million Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank.
The recent violence underscores the escalating tensions in the region. This record-breaking settler violence poses a serious challenge to stability. The situation in the West Bank remains volatile.
