Israeli forces killed a Palestinian family in the West Bank, while settlers launched escalating attacks on Palestinian villages, including sexual assault and property destruction.
Palestinian Family Killed in Shooting
The Bani Odeh family was preparing for Eid al-Fitr when their car was fired upon by Israeli security forces, resulting in the deaths of Ali, Waad, 6-year-old Othman, and 5-year-old Muhammad.
The oldest son, Khaled, recalled his father reciting the Shahada before his death and his mother’s final scream. Soldiers allegedly beat the surviving sons, 11 and 8 years old, and reportedly said, “We killed dogs.”
The Israeli military claims an undercover unit was pursuing suspects when they encountered the Bani Odeh vehicle, which they allege was speeding towards them. Access to the victims was delayed, and the car was confiscated.
Settler Violence: Sexual Assault and Brutality
In Chirbet Humsa, a 29-year-old Palestinian man, Kusai Abual-Kebash, was tied up, stripped, and sexually assaulted by masked Israeli settlers. He was beaten while being paraded through the village.
Abual-Kebash’s wife, cousins, and father were also attacked, doused with water and sewage, and threatened with rape. Children were also beaten. International Solidarity Movement activists present were also injured.
Settlers destroyed security cameras, cut off electricity, and stole phones and valuables to prevent the attack from being recorded. They also stole the family’s sheep, and Abual-Kebash fears a return attack.
Settler Attacks Following Soldier’s Death
Following the death of 18-year-old Jehuda Sherman, a member of the extremist Hilltop Youth group, in a road accident, settlers launched pogroms in nearby Palestinian villages.
Settlers attacked approximately 15 villages, including Jalud, Fandakumija, Silat ad-Djar, and Karjut, setting homes, a medical center, and cars on fire. Roads were blocked to prevent ambulance access.
In subsequent attacks, settlers vandalized a school near Nablus, entered a Christian village, and stole livestock. A family near as-Samu had 60 sheep stolen by settlers with the assistance of soldiers.
Israeli Response and Legal Concerns
Israeli authorities stated that police are investigating the attacks and have arrested seven suspects. However, convictions of settlers are rare.
The Knesset is considering a law to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of “terrorism” or killing Israelis, with concerns about retroactive application and lack of due process.
Expansion of Settlements and Displacement of Palestinians
Since November 7, 2023, Israeli forces have displaced at least 76 Palestinian communities. Settlers have established 152 new outposts, including 22 in areas under Palestinian civil jurisdiction.
The goal is to surround Palestinian cities, restrict access to land, and consolidate territorial continuity between settlements, pushing Palestinians into fragmented enclaves.
Criticism and Lack of Accountability
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called for the International Criminal Court to intervene to protect Palestinians and Israelis from settler violence. Former security officials warned that the lack of action against “Jewish terrorism” poses an existential threat.
Analysts note that the expansion of settlements and violence against Palestinians has been a state project, supported across the political spectrum. The Guardian’s analysis shows no Israeli has been convicted of killing a Palestinian since 2020, with over 1,100 Palestinians killed, a quarter of them children.