- Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the West Bank village of Qusra and Jalud.
- Netanyahu strongly condemned the attacks, calling the perpetrators "rioters who are violating the law" and saying they cause "a grave injustice to the law-abiding Jewish community" and harm Israel's standing.
- Settler violence in the West Bank has persisted for years, often with little or no legal consequence, but recent months have seen a surge in attacks.
- According to an AFP tally, at least 1,103 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned a settler attack on the Palestinian village of Qusra, stating, "I strongly condemn the criminal acts of violence committed in the villages of Qusra and Jalud by a handful of rioters who are violating the law."12
The attack occurred after weeks of escalating tensions in the region, with settlers reportedly surrounding Palestinian residents and throwing stones.
President Isaac Herzog echoed Netanyahu's sentiments, labeling the violence as "a disgrace." The Israeli military intervened, stating they were aware of reports of Palestinian injuries and worked to separate the groups involved.
Violence by Israeli settlers towards Palestinians has been a persistent issue, with a significant increase in attacks recently. According to an AFP tally, Israeli forces or settlers have killed at least 1,103 Palestinians in the West Bank since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023.4
The situation in Qusra reflects broader tensions in the West Bank, where settler violence often goes unpunished, raising concerns about the rule of law and the safety of Palestinian communities.3
The Israeli military's response included dispatching soldiers and border police to the area, where they reported violent clashes and attempted to confiscate vehicles used by the settlers.
As the conflict continues, both Israeli and Palestinian communities are left grappling with the consequences of ongoing violence and instability.
“The attack comes amid a surge in settler violence, with at least 1,103 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began in October 2023. President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack, while Israel's foreign ministry labeled the violence 'a disgrace'.”
