US Ambassador Visits Palestinian Town, Condemns Settler Violence

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hammer visited the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya, near Ramallah, on Saturday, amidst rising tensions and threats against him from extremist settlers. Hammer called for the prosecution of violent settlers, emphasizing that their actions constitute terrorism and will have severe consequences. He noted that these individuals represent a minority of the Jewish population in the West Bank.

During his visit, Hammer met with residents, including Samir Hamza, who expressed hope that the ambassador would take action against the lawless settlers. This visit follows recent threats directed at Hammer himself. Graffiti on a mosque in the village of Bazaria, near Nablus, read "Hammer, Greetings from the terrorists," a clear reference to his strong condemnation of a recent settler blockade on Palestinian homes in the nearby village of Qusra.

Hammer had previously described the actions of the Jewish perpetrators in Qusra as "disgusting terrorism" and referred to them as "Israeli terrorists." Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency are investigating the disturbances in Qusra from the previous weekend, where dozens of Israelis entered the village, barricaded themselves in a Palestinian home, and attacked foreign journalists. Similar riots also occurred in the village of Jalud.

Security forces have identified several suspects involved in these disturbances and have attempted arrests. Law enforcement anticipates arrests of those involved in the coming period. During the Qusra incident, three vehicles suspected of being used by the rioters were confiscated.