Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank are reportedly exploiting movement restrictions imposed during the conflict with Iran, leading to increased attacks on Palestinians. Rights groups and medical personnel warn that military roadblocks are impeding ambulances from swiftly reaching victims.
Since the commencement of US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on 28 February, at least five Palestinians have been killed by settlers in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. An additional man died after inhaling teargas fired during an attack, as reported by Israeli rights group B’Tselem.
The Israeli military implemented significant curbs on movement on the first day of the conflict, blocking numerous West Bank roads with iron gates and earth mounds, and largely closing crossings with Israel. The military states these measures are preemptive while it conducts airstrikes on Iran and against Lebanese group Hezbollah, which has launched missiles at Israel in solidarity with Tehran.
Palestinians residing in remote West Bank villages describe feeling increasingly vulnerable to settler violence due to these roadblocks. They also note that the Israeli military has continued its frequent raids in Palestinian cities and towns, often resulting in arrests without charge, a practice common even during peacetime.
A spokesperson for the Yesha Council, which represents Jewish settlements, did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the attacks.
Malak Beirat’s husband, Thaer, was one of two Palestinians who residents and the Palestinian health ministry say were shot dead by settlers before dawn on Sunday in Abu Falah, north of the city of Ramallah.
“Thaer loved life. I never expected he would die,” said Beirat, fighting back tears as she sat with her two children.
Witnesses told Reuters that when over 100 settlers gathered on the outskirts of Abu Falah, a local WhatsApp group rallied men to protect the small village. The initial confrontation involved stone throwing, but armed settlers arrived later and began shooting, they said.
Beirat’s husband was shot dead while trying to protect a house from attack, a man who helped defend the village said.
Blood could still be seen on Monday in olive groves at the scene of the attack, where villagers have erected two Palestinian flags at the spots where the two men were killed – one for each victim.
A third Palestinian died after the attack. B’Tselem said his death was probably caused by the effect of teargas fired by Israeli troops deployed to the village during the attack.
The Israeli military says an investigation has been launched into the incident and that it condemns “violence of any kind”.
Medics say the new roadblocks have led to delays in reaching injured Palestinians.
“There are obstacles – and even attacks by settlers and the military on the (medical) crews,” said Ahmed Jibril, spokesman for the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service.
