Palestinian Family Recounts Terror as Settlers Storm Home

A Palestinian family was forced to flee their home in the village of Jalud, in the Benjamin region, for a second time shortly after returning with security forces. The father, Mahmoud Toubasi, and his son, Wa'el, described the terrifying ordeal to N12 news, detailing how dozens of rioters, identified as settlers, stormed their house, vandalized it, and threatened them.

The family had returned to their home under court order and with the escort of security forces, only to be met by a rapidly growing mob. "The settlers entered our home, stormed us, and wanted to beat us. One of them told me, 'I want to slaughter you,'" Mahmoud recounted. His son, Wa'el, added that soldiers initially stood between them and the rioters, shielding them on the roof of the house. However, the settlers, estimated to be around 200 and described as "organized," overwhelmed the security forces, damaging military vehicles and setting fire to homes and cars.

Wa'el described the extensive destruction within their home, stating, "They ripped out the floor tiles, the doors, and the windows. The electricity, the water - everything. They completely destroyed the house." Despite the damage, the family had intended to stay and begin repairs, but the escalating violence forced them to evacuate again.

During the attempted evacuation, settlers reportedly threw stones at the military vehicles and kicked their tires. The family was eventually moved to a different vehicle and taken to the town of Qusra. The Israeli military stated that over 100 Israeli rioters participated in the incident, blocking roads, burning tires, and throwing stones at security forces, injuring three Border Police officers. Three suspects were arrested, but the mission to safely return the family to their home was not completed.

Concerns were raised by the Shin Bet and police, who claimed they were surprised by the army's decision to return the family without prior coordination, criticizing the insufficient security preparations for what they deemed a highly sensitive event. Mahmoud Toubasi appealed to the Israeli public, asking why they do not take a stand against such actions and calling for justice, respect for humanity, and the protection of everyone's right to live in peace.