Illegal settlers steal 150 sheep in West Bank farm attack

Illegal Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian sheep farm east of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank early Friday, assaulting two workers and making off with around 150 sheep. This incident is the latest in a sustained campaign of violence and theft targeting Palestinian communities in the area.

Details of the Raid

According to local sources, the settlers raided the town of Deir Dibwan, broke into the farm, beat the workers, and then drove away with the livestock. The town has been repeatedly subjected to extremist settler attacks, including previous sheep thefts, arson attacks on vehicles and shops, and physical assaults on residents. These actions form part of a broader effort to pressure Palestinians off their land.

Context of Escalating Violence

Approximately 750,000 illegal Israeli settlers live in settlements across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Attacks by these settlers against Palestinians and their property have become a near-daily occurrence. Official Palestinian figures indicate that since October 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have killed at least 1,103 Palestinians in the West Bank and injured nearly 11,000. The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission recorded 621 settler attacks in November alone.

International Law and Condemnation

The International Court of Justice declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal in a landmark opinion last July and called for the evacuation of all West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements. Palestinian authorities continue to urge the international community to pressure Israel to halt all settlement activity, which is considered illegal under international law. Nations including Türkiye have consistently condemned settlement expansion and violence, advocating for a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.