Settlers Torch Homes in Palestinian Village South of Nablus

Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Jaloud, south of Nablus, early Tuesday morning, setting fire to two homes belonging to the Al-Tobasi family. The family had been forced to evacuate the residences in July following months of harassment and repeated attacks. Palestinian sources reported that the settlers attacked the village and ignited the two homes, causing significant damage to their contents.

The attack instilled panic among the village residents, who attempted to confront the settlers. Hours before the assault, Israeli authorities had permitted the Al-Tobasi family to return to their home, following an Israeli Supreme Court decision that allowed them to reclaim it after nearly two months of forced displacement.

Mahmoud Al-Tobasi, the owner of one of the damaged homes, stated that the family returned to their property based on the court order, only to discover the extent of the destruction and vandalism that occurred while settlers occupied it and prevented the owners from accessing it. He added that the settlers returned during the night and set fire to the house, destroying it, damaging its contents, and rendering it uninhabitable.