Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank launched a violent rampage against Palestinians in response to the killing of a missing Israeli teen in a “terrorist attack.” The Israeli military reported injuries on both sides during confrontations in various locations. Dozens of people were wounded, but exact numbers were not provided. Palestinian villages were attacked, with homes and vehicles set on fire. The situation escalated as tensions in the region have been high since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
The disappearance of 14-year-old Binyamin Achimair led to the violent attacks on Palestinian communities. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged people not to take matters into their own hands in a territory where tensions have been simmering for months. Palestinian Jehad Abu Alia was killed and 25 others were injured in an attack on al-Mughayyir village on Friday. The following day, Israeli settlers burned homes and cars, injuring several people. The Israeli military responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, but did not intervene to protect Palestinians.
Israeli human rights group Yesh Din reported that at least 10 villages in the West Bank were attacked by Israeli settlers, resulting in damage to homes and vehicles. Tensions have been escalating in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with more than 460 Palestinians killed in the region since the conflict began. Hamas has been attempting to ignite other fronts, including in the West Bank, in an effort to pressure Israel. These efforts have not been successful, but have led to clashes and violence in the region.
The killing of the Israeli teen has heightened tensions in the West Bank, with the government vowing to track down the culprits. In 2014, the kidnapping and killing of three Israeli teens in the West Bank led to a deadly Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Israeli settlements continue to expand in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories that the Palestinians seek for a future state. The international community considers all West Bank settlements illegal and obstacles to peace. Over 700,000 Israelis now reside in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, further complicating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
