Settler Attacks in West Bank Exceed 4,000 Since Year's Start

Palestinian sources reported that the West Bank has witnessed 4,054 settler attacks against Palestinians from the beginning of the year until October 22, averaging nearly 14 incidents daily. These attacks have occurred across most West Bank governorates, targeting individuals, vehicles, property, and agricultural lands, including crop theft, destruction, and land seizures for new settlement outposts. Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron governorates recorded the highest numbers, with 2,573 documented attacks, constituting approximately 63% of the total. Ramallah experienced attacks on 285 out of 295 days, followed by Nablus (280 days) and Hebron (277 days). Other governorates also saw attacks, with varying frequencies, including Tubas (204 days), Salfit (193 days), Bethlehem (182 days), Jericho (116 days), Jerusalem (114 days), Jenin (83 days), Qalqilya (79 days), and Tulkarm (56 days). In September alone, 479 attacks were documented, an average of about 16 per day, higher than the yearly average. Ramallah was again the most targeted, with 154 attacks that month, and at least one attack occurred daily. The pace increased to about 19 attacks per day between September 22 and 30, coinciding with the olive harvest season. Reports from the Negotiations Affairs Department documented olive crop theft and tree damage in eight villages around Ramallah during this period, and a Palestinian farmer was assaulted while harvesting olives. Attacks include physical assaults, vehicle damage, property arson, crop theft or destruction, and land appropriation for settlements. The attacks on agricultural lands and olive trees are particularly significant during harvest season, impacting farmers' livelihoods. The statistics count each incident separately, even if multiple occurred in the same area.