Israeli settlers attack Palestinians after expansion of illegal settlement was stopped

Dozens of armed Israeli settlers launched a violent assault on Palestinians near the village of al-Minya, south of Bethlehem, shortly after Israel’s Civil Administration officials intervened to halt the expansion of an illegal outpost, according to Haaretz.

The attack left 16 people wounded, including a pregnant woman who was struck with clubs and rocks. Four people were hospitalised, yet no arrests were made. The Israeli military said that security forces responded to the incident and dispersed the settlers.

The violence erupted in an area known as the accords reserve, where settlers had previously established an illegal outpost, Mikne Avraham, in the West Bank’s Area B. Despite repeated removals by Israeli authorities, settlers continue to seize more land.

Earlier on Friday, Civil Administration officials arrived following Palestinian reports of settlers encroaching further into the area. Once the officials departed, the settlers launched their attack.

Palestinians have filed numerous complaints about settler violence, including home invasions, physical assaults, and arson attacks.

A military source confirmed to Haartz that settlers unleashed dogs on the locals, with two of the hospitalised victims suffering from dog bites.