Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties

## Summary
Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties 17 minutes ago Share Save Tom Bennett and James Waterhouse , reporting from Jerusalem Share Save AFP via Getty Images Homes were burnt down in the village of Fanduqmiya Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles and agricultural fields. Settler violence has surged since the US and Israel attacked Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March, according to the United Nations (UN). EU and UK demand Israel stop surge in West Bank settler violence since Iran war Israeli forces kill Palestinian couple and two of their children in occupied West Bank Palestinian Authority in dire straits as Israel's hold on West Bank deepens Other footage said to be from the village shows multiple vehicles on fire, buildings with smashed windows, and sirens ringing out as ambulances attend the scene. Earlier this month, the EU and UK demanded that Israel halt the surge in settler violence against Palestinians which has taken place since the war in Iran began on 28 February.

## Article Content
Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties
17 minutes ago
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Tom Bennett
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James Waterhouse
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reporting from Jerusalem
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AFP via Getty Images
Homes were burnt down in the village of Fanduqmiya
Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles and agricultural fields.
The violence began after a teenage settler - 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman - was killed on Saturday, after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike. Police said they were investigating whether the hit was deliberate or accidental.
In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a "revenge campaign" over his death, according to Haaretz newspaper. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, according to a defence official cited by Israeli media.
Settler violence has surged since the US and Israel attacked Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March, according to the United Nations (UN).
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its troops and border police units were dispatched to several Palestinian villages on Saturday night. It said it had received reports of Israeli civilians "committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area".
The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.
Footage shared online, which the BBC could not independently verify, appeared to show more than 90 individuals wearing black - many of them masked - running into Jalud.
EU and UK demand Israel stop surge in West Bank settler violence since Iran war
Israeli forces kill Palestinian couple and two of their children in occupied West Bank
Palestinian Authority in dire straits as Israel's hold on West Bank deepens
Other footage said to be from the village shows multiple vehicles on fire, buildings with smashed windows, and sirens ringing out as ambulances attend the scene. One photo shows the words "Avenge Yehuda" spray-painted onto a building.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said at least three Palestinians suffered head wounds and were taken to hospital after confronting the attackers, some of whom were also reportedly injured.
Israeli media reported that one post in a WhatsApp group used by settlers read: "Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood". Another read: "We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy".
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault, saying it involved 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".
AFP via Getty Images
Vehicles were torched in the village of Jalud
More than 500 people were in attendance for the funeral of Yehuda Sherman on Sunday afternoon, according to Israeli media, including Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.
On Sunday evening, Jewish settlers were blocking roads in protest in the occupied West Bank.
There were unconfirmed reports that settler groups had again begun to gather outside some Palestinian villages, with local news agency WAFA reporting they had set fire to a car wash north-west of Nablus.
Earlier this month, the EU and UK demanded that Israel halt the surge in settler violence against Palestinians which has taken place since the war in Iran began on 28 February.
Since the start of the year, seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and 18 by Israeli forces, according to the UN, with 15 of the killings taking place since the Iran war started.
Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war. An estimated 3.3 million Palestinians live alongside them.
The settlements are illegal under international law.
More on this story
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'We are not protected' says Hebron mayor as Israel expands West Bank control
Palestinians say new Israeli measures in West Bank amount to de facto annexation
Israel & the Palestinians
Israel
Palestinian territories
West Bank

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
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### Implications
- Footage shared online, which the BBC could not independently verify, appeared to show more than 90 individuals wearing black - many of them masked - running into Jalud.
- Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem - land Palestinians want, along with Gaza, for a hoped-for future state - during the 1967 Middle East war.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers palestinian, west, israeli topics. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 696.