Tue Jan 21 07:50:03 UTC 2025: ## Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Villages, Igniting Wave of Violence in West Bank
**RAMALLAH, WEST BANK –** A wave of attacks by Israeli settlers across the West Bank has left at least 21 Palestinians injured and caused significant property damage, prompting condemnation from the UN and raising concerns about escalating tensions. The attacks, which occurred Monday evening, involved arson, assaults, and stone-throwing, targeting homes, vehicles, and businesses in multiple villages.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, medical teams treated numerous victims in Jinsafut and Funduq, east of Qalqilya, for injuries sustained during attacks where settlers burned three homes, a nursery, a workshop, and several vehicles. One Palestinian suffered a head injury while defending his property. Additional injuries resulted from tear gas deployed by Israeli soldiers.
Similar incidents were reported in other locations. In Sinjil, northeast of Ramallah, settlers torched two homes and at least four vehicles. In Ein Siniya, also north of Ramallah, homes were attacked and set ablaze. Further attacks involving property damage and stone-throwing were reported in Turmus Aya and near al-Lubban Asharqiya. In Masafer Yatta, settlers stormed a Palestinian home.
The timing of these attacks coincides with the signing of an order by US President Donald Trump reversing sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank, a move criticized by the Biden administration. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed alarm at the escalating violence, noting that the attacks are occurring alongside reinforced restrictions on Palestinian movement, including checkpoint closures and the installation of new gates. The OHCHR also voiced concern over Israel’s plans for increased operations in the West Bank.
Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights organization, released video footage documenting the damage caused by the settlers. The Palestinian Authority has yet to release an official statement on the attacks. The incident highlights the ongoing volatility in the region and casts doubt on any prospects for immediate de-escalation.
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