Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers and journalists in West Bank

Illegal Israeli settlers have carried out multiple attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including setting fire to a home in Abu Falah village northeast of Ramallah and assaulting farmers and journalists during olive harvesting activities. According to local sources, settlers stormed the outskirts of Abu Falah early Saturday and torched a single-story residence, causing significant damage to the property before Israeli forces arrived at the scene.

UN Documents Escalating Violence

The incidents occur against a backdrop of sharply increasing settler violence, with the United Nations reporting 264 attacks in October alone - the highest monthly total in nearly two decades of record-keeping. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq noted this represents an average of more than eight incidents daily since 2006, indicating a severe escalation in hostilities against Palestinian communities.

Olive Harvest Assaults and Media Targeting

In a separate incident near the town of Beita south of Nablus, illegal settlers attacked Palestinian farmers, journalists, and foreign solidarity activists participating in olive harvesting activities. Deputy Mayor Mohammad Hamayel confirmed the assault occurred in the Qamas Mountain area, resulting in multiple injuries including fractures and bruises among those targeted. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society provided medical treatment and hospital transfers for the injured.

International Response and Legal Context

Among those injured were international activists, paramedics, and journalists including a Reuters correspondent and two Al Jazeera reporters. These attacks follow the International Court of Justice's landmark opinion last July that declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and demanded evacuation of all West Bank and East Jerusalem settlements, highlighting the ongoing international legal concerns regarding the occupation.