A Palestinian family was attacked by over 100 Israeli settlers in their home in Jalud, in the northern West Bank, on Tuesday. The settlers stormed the house, set it on fire, and damaged property, forcing the family to leave. This is the latest in a series of almost daily occurrences of settler violence in the West Bank against Palestinians. The Tubasi family had previously been forced out of their home by settlers two months ago, but had finally returned with the help of Israeli police and military.
The Tubasi family's home was first besieged by settlers early in the summer, and after more than a month, they were eventually forced out towards the end of July. Mahmoud Tubasi, the homeowner, told CNN that he and his family had made multiple attempts to reclaim their home through legal means. They were eventually informed that they could return, but were met with another attack by settlers. Video footage filmed by Tubasi's son shows debris scattered on the floor, doors and appliances smashed, and walls left with large holes.
The Israeli military responded to the attack, saying that soldiers and police forces worked to disperse the Israeli rioters and protect the residents of the area. Two suspects were apprehended, and three border police officers were left with light injuries. A security forces vehicle was also damaged in the attack. The Israeli military strongly condemned any harm to security personnel while carrying out their duties, as well as acts of vandalism and damage to property.
US State Department spokesperson expressed awareness of the reports and emphasized the need for stability and security in the West Bank. The spokesperson condemned criminal violence by any party in the West Bank and supported investigations, legal accountability, and judicial processes for those responsible. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu minimized the daily settler attacks, calling them the work of a "handful of rioters."
Netanyahu's main challenger in the upcoming election, Gadi Eisenkot, blamed the actions on a "dangerous policy." He stated that the reality of anarchy and loss of control was a direct result of the current government's policy. The settlers who carried out the attack in Jalud are the same group who besieged the home of a Palestinian-American in the neighboring village of Qusra last month.
The Israeli government has been criticized for its handling of the settler violence, with many accusing it of not doing enough to prevent the attacks. Israeli settlement watchdog organization Peace Now called out the government's "double standards," stating that the settlers were backed and funded by the government. The group described the settlers as a "large and organized Jewish terror militia."
The attack on the Tubasi family's home is the latest in a series of incidents that have given rise to increasing international condemnation. The Israeli government's response to the settler violence will likely be a focus of the upcoming general election. The issue remains a contentious one, with many Palestinians and international observers calling for greater accountability and action from the Israeli government to prevent the attacks.
Key points
- Over 100 Israeli settlers were involved in the attack on the Tubasi family's home in Jalud, West Bank.
- The Israeli government has been criticized for its handling of the settler violence, with many accusing it of not doing enough to prevent the attacks.
- The attack on the Tubasi family's home is the latest in a series of incidents that have given rise to increasing international condemnation.
