On October 16, Israeli settlers dressed in black and with covered faces attacked a Palestinian village in Abufalah. This attack resulted in injuries to at least two people, including a journalist. About 80 settlers descended from a hill onto the villagers' olive grove, where Palestinian farmers had gathered to harvest olives.
Details of the Attack and Reactions
Eyewitnesses report that the settlers positioned themselves at the sloped paths of the olive grove and used slingshots to throw stones at the villagers. At this time, the villagers went down the hill to defend themselves and threw stones back at the settlers. Mohammad Abdolahi, a 42-year-old farmer, said: "The settlers want to attack us and drive us out of our homes."
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In the midst of this attack, at least two Israeli military jeeps passed through the area, kicking up dust. However, the assault continued, and Israeli soldiers contributed to escalating the situation by firing tear gas at the Palestinians. The sound of live gunfire was also heard in the area, and a photographer from a reputable media outlet observed at least one armed settler shooting at the Palestinians.
Increase in Settler Violence in the West Bank
In recent months, violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has significantly increased, and according to statistics from the monitoring group Yesh Din, at least 170 attacks have been reported since September 27. This violence typically intensifies during the olive harvest, which is a cherished tradition in Palestinian life.
The right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu, which has witnessed the rapid expansion of settlements and outposts throughout the West Bank, has emboldened settlers. Although Netanyahu has criticized this violence, he has not taken serious measures to address these incidents that have led to international condemnation.
In a similar attack on Friday, settlers set fire to three vehicles in the area of the village of Turmus Ayya and attacked a group of farmers who were harvesting olives. In these attacks, witnesses reported that settlers "attacked us like stealthy thieves and assaulted one individual alone, beating him up."
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