Rising Israeli settler attacks in occupied West Bank | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Settler Violence: Attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and farms.
• Occupied West Bank: The territory occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War.
• United Nations (UN) Monitoring: The UN has been recording incidents of settler violence for 20 years.
• Olive Harvest: A period particularly affected by extreme violence from settlers.
• Unauthorized Outposts: Settlements established without official Israeli government approval, often a source of attacks.
• State Support: Government backing for unauthorized outposts, contributing to settler boldness.
• Biblical Claims: The justification used by some extremist settlers for their presence and actions on the land.
• "Crossing a Red Line": A statement by Israeli army leaders indicating the severity of settler violence.

Escalation of Settler Violence in the Occupied West Bank

The report details a significant and alarming increase in attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and farms in the occupied West Bank. The United Nations has recorded the largest number of monthly incidents since it began monitoring 20 years ago, with over 260 attacks occurring in October alone. This year's olive harvest has been particularly impacted by extreme violence.

Hamida Mosque Incident and Settler Tactics

At Hamida Mosque near Nablus, worshippers stood with their backs to the damage from a recent attack. The Imam reported that the mosque was set on fire by Jewish settlers, who he stated aim to convey a message that they can reach any location, including cities and villages, and that they can kill civilians and burn homes and mosques. This incident exemplifies the escalating nature of settler violence over the past six weeks.

Documented Attacks and Victim Testimony

The report highlights specific instances of violence. Earlier in the week, a large group of settlers was filmed torching trucks inside a Palestinian factory near Tulkarm and subsequently setting fire to Bedouin buildings. Weeks prior, 55-year-old Afua Aliyia was filmed being attacked by a settler while she lay on the ground. She sustained injuries requiring 20 stitches to her head and reported being unable to sleep due to the pain, describing the experience as feeling her "soul was leaving my body" and her primary concern being her children. One arrest has reportedly been made in connection with Afua's assault.

Official Reactions and Settler Perspectives

Israeli army leaders, who have faced criticism from human rights groups for allegedly protecting attackers, have stated that settler violence is "crossing a red line." However, some hardline settlers view this statement as a betrayal. One settler, quoted in the report, dismisses concerns about individual acts of violence by settlers, questioning the number of women beaten in London and expressing a belief that most Palestinians would not choose coexistence. He states, "Very, very, very few want to coexist or to live in peace. Hopefully the army will wake up. Hopefully most people will understand that we have to prepare ourselves that they're coming for us. So, let's be prepared." This perspective suggests a defensive posture and a lack of faith in peaceful coexistence.

State Support for Unauthorized Outposts

While some settler leaders acknowledge that those who break the law should be arrested, the report points out that unauthorized outposts, which are frequently the source of these attacks, enjoy state support. This backing contributes to a "new boldness and determination" in settler attacks. Extremist settlers justify their claim to the land through biblical interpretations, but their confidence is bolstered by government support.

Security Concerns and Direct Threats

Israel's security forces are reportedly worried about the situation. The attackers have left a message in Hebrew on a wall outside, directly addressing Israel's regional army chief, stating, "We're not afraid of you." This indicates a direct challenge to the authority of the Israeli military.

Conclusion

The report underscores a severe and escalating crisis of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, characterized by record-breaking incidents, extreme brutality, and a perceived lack of accountability. The violence is fueled by a combination of extremist ideology, biblical claims, and, crucially, state support for unauthorized settlements, leading to a direct challenge to Israeli security forces and a devastating impact on Palestinian communities.