Over 100 Israeli Settlers Storm West Bank Village, Blocking Palestinian Family’s Return Home

More than 100 Israeli settlers stormed the West Bank village of Jalud on Tuesday, setting fire to two Palestinian homes and blocking a family’s return just hours after the Israeli military had escorted them back, according to Reuters.

The two houses, belonging to the Tubasi family, had been seized by settlers weeks ago, forcing the family to shelter elsewhere in the village north of Ramallah. Israel’s military agreed to escort the family back late on Monday night and protect them from the settlers.

Witnesses told Reuters that within about ten minutes of the family’s arrival, a large group of settlers descended on the houses, set them ablaze, blocked access roads and hurled rocks at Israeli officers. Three officers were injured, the military said.

“Due to the violence, the mission to return the family to their homes was not completed,” the Israeli military said in a statement. Troops moved the family to the roof when settlers broke in, then evacuated them as clashes intensified, witnesses said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence and called for the perpetrators to be prosecuted. Wael Tubasi, one of the homeowners, told Reuters the homes were “damaged beyond description”.

The attack is the latest in what CNN described as a near-daily pattern of settler violence in the West Bank that has drawn mounting international condemnation, and it has become a flashpoint ahead of Israel’s general election.

Sources:

• Reuters — Israeli settlers attack West Bank village, blocking family’s return home — link
• CNN — 100 Israeli settlers drove a Palestinian family from home again — link