Settlers open fire on shepherds in Masafer Yatta as Israeli forces arrest two Palestinians

Israeli settlers reportedly opened fire on Palestinian shepherds in the Masafer Yatta area south of Hebron on Tuesday, before Israeli forces arrested two Palestinians at the scene.

Media activist Osama Makhameh said settlers from the Yitzhar Man outpost attacked shepherds from the Alian Awad family in the Wadi Abu Shaban area of Masafer Yatta. According to Makhameh, the settlers fired live rounds at the shepherds, although no injuries were reported.

He added that Israeli forces later arrived and fired tear gas at the shepherds and other Palestinians present. The forces then reportedly assaulted and arrested Saif Tawfiq Awad and Mu’ath Saeed Awad.

The incident comes amid what local residents describe as a surge in settler attacks targeting Palestinians and their property in Masafer Yatta, with claims that Israeli forces provide protection or support during such incidents.

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