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IDF records ‘steep rise’ in settler attacks against Palestinians

November 29, 2022 at 11:12 am

Israeli forces intervene in Palestinians as Jewish settlers celebrate Sare Day in Hebron, West Bank on November 19, 2022. [Mamoun Wazwaz – Anadolu Agency]

The Israel Defence Forces have recorded a “steep rise” in illegal Jewish settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, local media reported on Monday.

According to the data published by the occupation army, the settlers have already carried out 838 attacks against Palestinians this year alone, compared with 446 in 2021 and 353 in 2020.

The Times of Israel reported the army as saying that the attacks included throwing stones and vandalism. It noted that they are commonly referred to as “price tag” attacks. The newspaper added that only 101 police investigations into settler attacks were opened in 2022, and just 28 indictments were filed.

The army said that not only extremists among the settlers carried out attacks against Palestinians, but also “moderates”. Tellingly, though, no apparent mention has been made of the fact that settlers usually carry out their attacks under the full protection of Israeli soldiers. All Israeli settlers and the settlements in which they live are illegal under international law.

Citing military intelligence assessments, the army claimed to have foiled some 500 Palestinian resistance attacks in the past year. It also said that it has arrested more than 2,500 Palestinians in the West Bank since late March, while seizing 250 weapons and NIS 2.7 million ($785,000) in cash.

Palestinian Authority sources were quoted by the Times of Israel as saying that around 150 Palestinians were killed during the Israeli army attacks.

READ: Palestinians warn of escalation of settler terrorist attacks