Settler Attacks on Palestinian Villages Escalate
Extremist Jewish settlers have conducted a series of violent attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles, and agricultural fields.
The violence erupted following the death of 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman, a teenage settler who was killed on Saturday after reportedly being struck by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while riding his quad bike. Authorities are investigating whether the incident was deliberate or accidental.
In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a "revenge campaign" over Sherman's death, according to the Haaretz newspaper. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, as cited by a defence official in Israeli media.
Settler violence has increased since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March, according to the United Nations (UN).
Israeli Forces Respond to Incidents
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement confirming that its troops and border police units were deployed to several Palestinian villages on Saturday night. The statement noted reports of Israeli civilians "committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area."
The villages targeted include Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya, and Silat al-Dhah.
Footage shared online, which the BBC could not independently verify, appeared to show over 90 individuals dressed in black—many masked—running into Jalud.
Other footage purportedly from the village shows multiple vehicles ablaze, buildings with shattered windows, and sirens sounding as ambulances respond to the scene. One photograph displays the words "Avenge Yehuda" spray-painted on a building.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that at least three Palestinians sustained head injuries and were hospitalized after confronting the attackers; some of the assailants were also reportedly injured.
Settler Communications and Palestinian Condemnation
Israeli media reported that one WhatsApp group post used by settlers stated:
"Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood"
Another message read:
"We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy"
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assaults, describing them as involving "the burning of homes and property, terrorising and killing of civilians, and the targeting of vital roads, junctions, and main streets during Eid al-Fitr."
Funeral and Protests
More than 500 people attended Yehuda Sherman's funeral on Sunday afternoon, according to Israeli media. Among those present was Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been sanctioned by the UK and other countries for inciting violence against Palestinians.
On Sunday evening, Jewish settlers blocked roads in protest throughout the occupied West Bank.
Unconfirmed reports indicated that settler groups had begun gathering outside some Palestinian villages again. The local news agency WAFA reported that settlers set fire to a car wash northwest of Nablus.
International Reactions and Context
Earlier in the month, the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) called on Israel to halt the surge in settler violence against Palestinians, which has intensified since the conflict with Iran began on 28 February.
According to the UN, since the start of the year, seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and 18 by Israeli forces, with 15 of these killings occurring since the Iran war commenced.
Israel has established approximately 160 settlements housing around 700,000 Jewish residents since occupying the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek these territories, along with Gaza, for a prospective future state. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside these settlements.
The settlements are considered illegal under international law.
