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 under the escort of security forces. The father, Mahmoud Toubasi, and his son, Wa'el, described the terrifying ordeal to N12, recounting how dozens of rioters, identified as settlers, stormed their house, vandalized it extensively, and threatened them.

The family had returned to their home following a court order, accompanied by Israeli security forces. However, within minutes, a crowd of rioters gathered, breached the house, and reached the roof where the family sought refuge. "The soldiers stood between us and them, shielding us," Wa'el recounted. Despite the soldiers' efforts to protect them, the situation escalated, with rioters damaging military vehicles and setting fire to homes and cars. The security forces ultimately had to evacuate the family without completing the mission of securing their return.

Mahmoud Toubasi described the scene upon their arrival: "When we got to the houses, I saw they were completely destroyed. They ripped out the floor tiles, the doors, and the windows. The electricity, the water, everything." He recounted one rioter threatening him, "I want to slaughter you." The family had intended to stay and begin repairs the next day, but the escalating violence made it impossible.

Wa'el detailed how the crowd, initially around 20 people, grew to over 150, overwhelming the security forces. He described the rioters as "organized" and "dispersing the soldiers." The family was eventually evacuated by the Border Police (Magav) to a different location after their evacuation vehicle was attacked with stones. The rioters also set fire to other homes and vehicles in the village during the incident.

According to the IDF, over 100 Israeli rioters participated in the disturbance, blocking roads, burning tires, and throwing stones at security forces. Three Border Police officers were lightly injured, and damage was caused to security vehicles. Three suspects were arrested, but the family's return to their home was not successfully completed. Reports indicate that the Shin Bet and police were surprised by the IDF's decision to return the family without prior coordination, with some criticizing the security arrangements for the sensitive operation.