Unrest in the West Bank intensified after Israeli settlers reportedly set fire to dozens of Palestinian cars and houses on Sunday night, 26 February.
SUMMARY:
- Unrest in West Bank after Israeli settlers set fire to Palestinian cars and houses.
- Palestinian man killed by settlers protected by Israeli Army in the village of Zaatara.
- At least 390 Palestinians were injured in the rampage, with reports of stabbings and attacks.
Palestinian media say about 30 houses and cars were burnt by Israeli settlers in what it called a “pogrom.” Photos and videos showing the severity of the massive fires burning across Huwara City quickly went viral on social media.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health said a 37-year-old man identified as Samih al-Aqtash died after being shot in the stomach by settlers protected by the Israeli Army in the Zaatara, South of Nablus village. The father of 5 had reportedly returned home five days ago after volunteering to help earthquake victims in Turkey before he was killed in the latest Israeli settlers attack in the West Bank.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said at least 390 Palestinians were injured in the residential rampage in the villages of Huwara, Zaatara, Burin and Asira al-Qibliya – all south of Nablus. Medical services explained that the majority were injured by tear gas fired by the Israeli Army and inhalation of smoke from the widespread fires set by the settlers.
Palestinian media also reported stabbings and attacks with metal rods and stones. The Palestinian Health Ministry said one person was hospitalized after being hit on the head with a rock, causing a skull fracture, while another was beaten with a metal rod in the face.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned what he called terrorist acts carried out by settlers under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces. He asked the Israeli government to take full responsibility for the violence that occurred.
The Israeli settlement violence reportedly responded to the deaths of Israeli brothers Yagel Yanif, 20, and Hallel Yanif, 22, who was shot dead in Huwara City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Palestinian strikes killed two Israeli civilians.
