Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the White House have strongly condemned an attack by Israeli settlers that resulted in at least one Palestinian death and multiple injuries. The incident occurred in the village of Jit, near Nablus, and has sparked international outrage.
Video footage shared on social media shows scenes of destruction in Jit, with cars and houses set ablaze. According to Israel’s military, the attackers, some of whom were masked, hurled petrol bombs and rocks at buildings and vehicles. In response, the military used “riot dispersal means” to restore order and reported the arrest of one Israeli involved in the Thursday attack.
The Palestinian health ministry confirmed that one person was killed and another wounded by gunfire from settlers. Local resident Ibrahim Sadah described the situation, saying around 100 armed settlers were firing live ammunition. He identified the deceased as a family member who had been trying to help others during the attack.
Another resident, Rabah Sbu Hasan, recounted the chaos, saying his family was taken by surprise as settlers torched vehicles and chased people from their homes. “My son came to the rescue and fought them off,” Hasan said, describing the harrowing experience.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office issued a statement condemning the violence, expressing that the incident was viewed with “utmost severity.” Netanyahu pledged that anyone responsible for the attack would be identified and prosecuted.
The attack is part of a troubling trend of settler violence in the West Bank, with many Palestinians accusing Israeli forces of failing to prevent such incidents. Both the US and European nations have repeatedly called on Israel to take stronger action against these attacks.
US Foreign Secretary David Lammy also condemned the violence, calling the scenes of burning buildings and Molotov cocktails “abhorrent.” He stressed the need for justice and urged Israeli authorities to enhance their protection for all communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
The White House National Security Council echoed these sentiments, stating that Israeli authorities must intervene to prevent violence and ensure that all individuals responsible are held accountable.
The incident in Jit adds to ongoing tensions in the region, highlighting the persistent issue of settler violence and the challenges faced in maintaining order and safety in the West Bank.
