Settlers Torch Homes in Palestinian Villages Amidst Israeli Military Protection

Dozens of Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Jaloud, south of Nablus, on Tuesday, setting fire to two homes belonging to the Tobaasi family. The family had only recently returned to their homes under an Israeli court order after being displaced for approximately two months. Local sources reported that settlers also torched a house and several vehicles in the village of Al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah, during a separate incident.

Eyewitnesses stated that Israeli forces arrived at Jaloud but did not intervene to stop the settlers' attack. Instead, they allegedly provided protection and reinforced the area with additional troops. The Israeli military reportedly forced the Tobaasi family to evacuate their homes again under threat of force. Mahmoud Tobaasi described the extensive damage to his family's homes, which had been targeted with continuous harassment, including arson, stone-throwing, and the destruction of property, for three months prior to their forced departure on July 22.

In Al-Mughayyir, residents attempted to extinguish fires set by settlers to homes and vehicles. The Israeli military confirmed that over 100 settlers gathered in Jaloud, blocking roads, burning tires, and throwing stones at security forces. The military stated that three border police officers sustained minor injuries during clashes, and a security vehicle was damaged. Forces used riot dispersal methods and apprehended two suspects.

Further incidents included settlers, protected by Israeli forces, storming the town of Beitoneya and the Jiryut road west of Ramallah, where they attacked passing vehicles and threw stones. Settlers also gathered at the Jiryut roundabout, raising Israeli flags and preparing for Talmudic rituals, while Israeli forces fired into the area.