A Canadian activist was harmed in an assault by settlers in a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank over the weekend. She recounted being thrown to the ground and physically assaulted by settlers who also stole wallets and passports from her and three others. The incident occurred at a residence in Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho, where the activist group had been stationed to monitor and deter settler violence.
Settler aggression in the West Bank has been escalating, with recent incidents including the torching of a mosque and other property destruction. The Canadian activist, along with foreign counterparts, had been collaborating with a Palestinian organization to safeguard vulnerable communities from such attacks. Their efforts involved nighttime patrols and accompanying local farmers during the ongoing olive harvest.
During the assault at around 4:30 a.m., masked settlers armed with weapons stormed the activists’ dwelling, inflicting physical harm and theft. The victims were subsequently aided by locals and received medical treatment at a nearby hospital for their injuries. Despite the ordeal, the activist expressed a commitment to continue their mission in the village to support and protect the local community.
The Canadian government, through Global Affairs Canada, has denounced the violent actions of extremist settlers and reiterated its stance against the annexation of Palestinian territories. Efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent further attacks on civilians are ongoing. The activist highlighted the resilience of their group in the face of adversity and emphasized the importance of their work amidst the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in the region.
The UN has documented a significant number of casualties resulting from clashes involving Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The expansion of settlements beyond established boundaries, along with the establishment of new outposts, has exacerbated tensions and led to increased violence in the region. Despite these challenges, the activists remain determined to support the local community and advocate for peace and justice in the area.