Palestinian families face escalating violence from Israeli settlers and military forces in the West Bank, including killings, sexual assault, and widespread property destruction.
Palestinian Family Killed in Military Operation
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, Othman (6), and Muhammad (5). The family was traveling from Israel to Nablus when the incident occurred.
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, and reportedly stated, “We killed dogs.”
Settler Violence: Sexual Assault and Brutality in Chirbet Humsa
Dozens of masked Israeli settlers entered the village of Chirbet Humsa, brutally assaulting Kusai Abual-Kebash, tying him up, and sexually assaulting him with restraints. He was beaten while being paraded through the village.
Abual-Kebash’s wife, cousins, and father were also attacked, subjected to abuse, and threatened with rape. International Solidarity Movement activists present in the village were also injured during the assault.
Settler Tactics and Property Destruction
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 entire flock of sheep, threatening further violence.
Israeli authorities have launched an investigation and arrested seven suspects, but the family fears a return attack and the loss of their livelihood.
Clash and Allegations of Intentional Ramming
Following the death of 18-year-old Jehuda Sherman in a road accident, some settlers accused a Palestinian driver of intentionally ramming their vehicle. Sherman was a member of the extremist Hilltop Youth group.
The incident occurred in a restricted area, and some allege the crash was a result of settlers “patrolling” the area, a practice often linked to attacks on Palestinians.
Pogroms and Retaliatory Attacks
Following Sherman’s death, settlers launched pogroms in nearby Palestinian villages, including Jalud, Fandakumija, Silat ad-Djar, and Karjut. Homes, a medical center, and cars were set on fire, and roads were blocked.
Attacks continued in subsequent nights, targeting schools and homes, with settlers vandalizing property and threatening residents. In one incident, soldiers and police raided a family and stole 60 sheep.
Military Raids and Arrests
Alongside settler violence, Israeli military forces have conducted nightly raids on Palestinian villages and refugee camps, resulting in numerous arrests and the demolition of buildings.
Impunity and Calls for International Intervention
Analysis by The Guardian reveals that no Israeli has been convicted of killing a Palestinian since 2020, despite over 1,100 Palestinian deaths, a quarter of whom were children. Similar impunity exists for settler crimes.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has called on the International Criminal Court to intervene, while former security officials warn that the lack of action against “Jewish terrorism” poses an existential threat.
New Legislation and Administrative Detention
The Knesset is considering legislation to introduce the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of “terrorism” or killing Israelis, with limited due process and no possibility of appeal.
Currently, nearly 9,500 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, including approximately 4,700 in “administrative detention” without charge or trial.
Expansion of Settlements and Land Seizure
Since November 7, 2023, the Israeli army has displaced at least 76 Palestinian communities, and settlers have established 152 new outposts, including in areas under Palestinian jurisdiction.
Settlers are increasingly focusing on areas surrounding Palestinian cities to restrict access to land and consolidate territorial control.
Government Response and Funding for Settlers
The Israeli government publicly condemns “hooligan groups” but is accused of arming and supporting settlers. A new unit within the defense ministry, funded with 130 million shekels, is intended to address settler violence, but critics believe the funds will be used to strengthen settlers.
