Settler Violence and Demolitions Surge in West Bank During October
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Settler violence and Israeli demolitions in the West Bank significantly increased in October, with 3,133 reported attacks and 129 structures demolished. Settler-only attacks more than doubled compared to September, coinciding with the olive harvest season. Ramallah, Nablus, and Hebron were the most targeted governorates for attacks, while Jerusalem and Hebron saw the most demolitions. Israeli authorities also advanced settlement plans and issued orders affecting Palestinian land.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 3,133 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers were recorded in the West Bank and Jerusalem in October.
- Settler-only attacks more than doubled in October, increasing by 111.6% compared to September.
- 129 Palestinian structures, including 62 homes, were demolished by Israeli authorities in October.
- Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate suffered the highest number of attacks with 704 incidents.
- Jerusalem was the most affected area for demolitions, with 46 structures destroyed.
- 28 attempts to establish new settlement outposts were documented in October.
Settler attacks against Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank escalated in October, with incidents including livestock theft, damage to vehicles and agricultural machinery, and the blocking of main roads. In Tubas governorate, settlers stole livestock from Ali Turki Sawafteh's farm and damaged a vehicle and a tractor, according to Abdulmajeed Khudeirat, head of the Ibziq village council. In Salfit governorate, settlers blocked roads near Kafr Haris and Haris villages, as well as the road connecting Salfit and Qalqilya, and set tires ablaze. They also obstructed the road to Al-Zaytouna University of Science and Technology.
The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission reported a total of 3,133 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians, their lands, and property in the West Bank and Jerusalem during October. This represents a 52.8% increase from September, which saw 2,051 attacks. Of the October total, 1,764 attacks were carried out by Israeli forces and 1,369 by settlers. Settler-only attacks more than doubled, increasing by 111.6% during the olive harvest season.
Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate recorded the highest number of attacks with 704, followed by Nablus with 636, and Hebron with 568. These top three governorates accounted for approximately 61% of all attacks, indicating a concentration in areas with settlement expansion and attempts to control agricultural land and roads.
In addition to attacks, Israeli authorities demolished 129 Palestinian structures in October, including 62 homes, 46 agricultural facilities, and 14 livelihood-related structures. Jerusalem was the most affected area with 46 demolitions, followed by Hebron with 37. These demolitions directly impacted at least 220 Palestinians.
The commission also documented 28 attempts to establish new settlement outposts during October, with nine in Hebron and eight in Nablus. Furthermore, five military orders and announcements targeted approximately 229.5 dunams of Palestinian land, and ten settlement master plans were advanced.
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