A Palestinian family attempting to return to their homes in the village of Jalud, West Bank, was thwarted on Monday night when a crowd of over 100 Israeli settlers launched an attack. The family, led by 60-year-old Mahmoud al-Tubasi, had been escorted by the Israeli military following a High Court ruling that mandated their safe return to the properties they were forced to vacate earlier this summer.
Upon arrival, the family discovered their homes had been extensively vandalized. As they inspected the damage, settlers—who had coordinated the mobilization via messaging apps—began throwing stones. While Israeli forces attempted to use tear gas and pepper spray to protect the family, the scale of the crowd overwhelmed the security presence. The settlers eventually set fire to the family's car and both of their houses. Mahmoud al-Tubasi described the ordeal as "extremely terrifying," noting that he feared for his life during the encounter.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that more than 100 rioters blocked roads and targeted security personnel, resulting in three police officers sustaining minor injuries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence against security forces and called for the prosecution of those involved. Israeli police reported that three suspects have been arrested.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the West Bank, where human rights organizations like Yesh Din argue that a lack of effective law enforcement has enabled systematic settler violence. According to the United Nations, settler-related violence has reached record levels this year, contributing to the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. While the Israeli government maintains that it is addressing the issue, critics contend that the expansion of settlements and outposts—which are considered illegal under international law—remains a core objective of current state policy.
Source: BBC News
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