Abhay Singh
Israeli officials have arrested four people, including a youngster, on suspicion of committing “terrorist incidents” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
The arrests come as the US and other international partners increase pressure on Israel to confront the spike in settler violence in the West Bank, which is occurring in the midst of Israel’s current military onslaught in Gaza.
“This is a serious terrorist incident that included burning buildings and vehicles”
The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, announced the arrests in a joint statement with the Israel Police on Wednesday. It stated that three adults and a kid were arrested last Thursday for violence in the village of Jit, including “serious disturbances.”
In the statement they said “This is a serious terrorist incident that included burning buildings and vehicles, throwing stones and throwing Molotov bottles. Also, a shooting that killed a Palestinian and injured another,”
Jit residents reported a well-coordinated attack last week, with hundreds of people, many wearing masks and black clothing, participating in groups armed with guns, stones, and Molotov cocktails, according to Reuters.
Reporters were unable to independently authenticate their statements, however social media videos showing a burning vehicle and building in the village of Jit that day could be verified.
The violence drew condemnation from the White House
The White House condemned the violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, calling it unacceptable and urging Israeli authorities to intervene and hold perpetrators accountable. The statement emphasized the need for a complete cessation of such violence.
Amidst a deadly surge in attacks and concerns over a possible land grab taking place in Palestinian territory, the United States has increased its pressure on Israel to confront settler violence in the West Bank in recent months. Sanctions have also been imposed on people and groups connected to the violence.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA) reports over 1,000 Israeli settlers’ attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank in over 10 months since Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks.
These attacks have led to 1,547 Palestinians
According to an update released by OCHA on Wednesday, these attacks have resulted in the displacement of 1,547 Palestinians, including at least 753 children.
According to the report, 45 Palestinians, including 28 children, were forced to flee their homes between Tuesday and Sunday “due to Israeli settler violence and harassment, and the takeover of Palestinian property.”
It said “More than 600 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, During the same period, 15 Israelis, including nine members of Israeli forces and five settlers, were killed by Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,”
The United Nations is said by Israeli officials to have undercounted the number of dead.
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