Ramallah (HRNW)- Incidents involving Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and entries by Israeli groups into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem have increased in recent days, with Palestinian communities reporting attacks on homes, vehicles, agricultural land, and restrictions on access to the holy site.
In Jalud village near Nablus, more than 100 Israeli settlers reportedly attacked the area while a displaced Palestinian family was attempting to return to its home. Two buildings belonging to the family were set on fire and a vehicle was also damaged, according to reports. The Israeli military said its forces had coordinated the family’s return but that the operation was disrupted by the violence.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 51 settler attacks during its latest reporting period resulted in Palestinian casualties, property damage, or both. The UN said at least 800 olive, fruit, and palm trees were damaged, uprooted, or burned across five governorates.
The situation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem has also drawn renewed attention during the Jewish Sukkot holiday. On September 27, the Jerusalem Governorate reported that 1,143 Israeli settlers entered the compound in groups under Israeli police protection and carried out religious rituals.
On September 28, hundreds more entered the compound under police protection, with Palestinian officials reporting that 900 people entered during the morning. Israeli authorities also ordered dozens of Palestinian shopkeepers in Jerusalem’s Old City to close their businesses during the holiday.
The developments come amid broader restrictions on Palestinian movement and continuing military operations and demolitions in the West Bank. UN officials have warned that settler violence, displacement, movement restrictions, and damage to homes and agricultural resources are worsening humanitarian conditions.
The latest incidents have increased tensions in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while international and local officials continue to call for protection of civilians and adherence to international law.
Support HRNW’s independent journalism and humanitarian reporting.
Donate now: www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083