Title: United States Condemns Rising Settler Violence in Southern West Bank
In a recent incident of settler violence in the southern West Bank, armed Israeli extremists broke into Palestinian homes, leaving the United States deeply concerned. The State Department expressed its worries about the increasing reports of settler violence, which have resulted in the evacuation of several Palestinian communities.
According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Palestinian herding community of Ein Samia was forced to abandon their lands due to intimidation, attacks by settlers, home demolitions, and the depletion of grazing land. These actions have resulted in the displacement of innocent Palestinian families, leaving them without homes and property.
The United States expects the Israeli Government to hold those responsible for the attacks accountable and provide restitution for the losses suffered by these communities. The State Department stressed the importance of the Israeli Government taking swift action to bring justice to the victims.
Recently surfaced footage captured settlers conducting searches in a Bedouin village near Hebron, with one individual carrying an assault rifle. Although uniformed IDF soldiers were not seen in the video, human rights organization Yesh Din claimed that soldiers arrived at the scene later. The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged conducting a search in the area, coordinated with the Israel Police, after receiving a report of stolen property from Israeli citizens. However, they did not address the involvement of settlers or the status of the assault rifle seen in civilian hands.
Another incident occurred in the village of Asira al-Qibliya, where settlers from Yitzhar attacked homes, set a vehicle on fire, and injured several residents. This wave of settler violence has caused significant damage and, tragically, even resulted in the death of a Palestinian man.
In response to these incidents, the Israeli government has pledged to hold those responsible for the settler rampages accountable. Charges have been filed against two suspects, with eight Israelis currently being held under administrative detention.
Moving beyond settler violence, the United States also expressed concern about National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s visit to the Temple Mount. The US emphasized the need for caution and avoidance of any unilateral action or rhetoric that could jeopardize the status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.
On a positive note, the United States commended Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to nullify the Supreme Council for Judicial Bodies and Authorities. The US stressed the importance of an independent judiciary for the success of any society, appreciating Abbas’s commitment to ensuring a fair and just legal system.
As tensions in the southern West Bank continue to escalate, the United States remains committed to urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflicts.
