The United States has denounced "criminal violence" in the occupied West Bank, following a recent attack by over 100 Israeli settlers on a village in northern Palestine. A US State Department spokesperson said they condemn such acts of violence by any party in the West Bank and support appropriate investigations and judicial actions against those responsible.
The attack occurred in the village of Jaloud, but further details are limited. The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. According to reports, three Palestinian citizens were injured on Tuesday evening after being attacked by settlers with the protection of Israeli occupation forces in the "Jamala" area near Ramallah.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that its teams treated three injuries resulting from the settler attack, with the victims being transferred to the hospital. This incident is among over 2200 reported violations and attacks by settlers in Ramallah and Al-Birah governorate in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of 2026.
Data from the Palestinian Information Center "Maati" shows that these violations include 12 cases of killing and 87 injuries, along with 864 attacks, 433 instances of settlement activities, and 241 raids. The center also documented 138 cases of theft, 106 arson incidents, and 86 cases of closure, in addition to 131 acts of vandalism targeting properties and agricultural facilities.
The escalation of settler attacks coincides with international efforts to impose punitive measures on settlers and their supporters. The European Union imposed sanctions on three individuals and four entities in May for severe and systematic violations against Palestinians in the West Bank, including asset freezes and travel bans.
A recent UN report highlighted that settler violence in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels, with over 1430 incidents recorded since the beginning of the year. The report warned of continued attacks amid weak accountability. The US condemnation of "criminal violence" aligns with growing international concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank.
The situation in the West Bank remains volatile, with ongoing tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents. The international community continues to monitor developments, with some countries calling for increased pressure on Israel to address the issue of settler violence.
Key points
- The US has condemned "criminal violence" by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
- Over 2200 violations by settlers have been reported in Ramallah and Al-Birah governorate since 2026.
- The EU has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities for violations against Palestinians.
