Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians flared up again on Saturday in the occupied West Bank. According to media reports, several dozen Israelis stormed a town north of Ramallah and set fire to Palestinian vehicles and buildings. The Israeli army said there had been clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Security forces are on duty to stop them.
“The Israeli army will continue to take decisive action against all acts of violence and destruction of property,” the statement said. “The Israeli army condemns such nationalist crimes that lead to escalation.” So far, one Israeli citizen has been arrested. A soldier was injured by a stone throw.
On Saturday night, a Palestinian opened fire on Israeli security forces at an intersection north of Jerusalem, according to Israeli sources. He was then shot.
Since the deadly attack by two Palestinians against four Israelis in the West Bank on Tuesday, massive violence by settlers against Palestinians has occurred several times. Israeli opposition leader Jair Lapid wrote on Twitter: “Settler violence transcends all borders.”
The security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories has been tense for a long time. Since the beginning of the year, 24 people have died in attacks. During the same period, 139 Palestinians were shot dead during Israeli military operations, clashes or after their own attacks. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six Day War. Palestinians claim the areas for their own state.