In brief
More than 100 Israeli settlers launched a violent raid on the West Bank village of Jalud, setting fire to the al‑Tubasi family homes and blockading them from returning to their property after a high‑court order. The settlers mobilised through WhatsApp messages, coordinated a large assault, and damaged vehicles and homes. While Israeli soldiers escorted the family out of danger, police announced no action would be taken against the rioters, sparking criticism from human‑rights organisations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the incidents as “riots” and urged legal prosecution. The clash is part of a broader wave of settler violence that has displaced thousands of Palestinians and escalated tensions in the West Bank.
Over 100 Israeli settlers launched a violent raid on the West Bank village of Jalud Monday night, sparking fires in the al‑Tubasi family homes and thwarting an Israeli‑military escort that had just secured a legal right to return.
\The high‑court ruling last month ordered that the family – 60‑year‑old Mahmoud, his wife Aida and son Wael – could go back, but settlers used WhatsApp to mobilise more than 150 men, setting tyres on fire and throwing stones.
\"You were almost killed – it was terrifying," Mahmoud said. "We think the army could have done more." Israeli soldiers did remove the family, but ruled that no action would be taken against the rioters, a decision that drew criticism from Yesh Din and other rights groups.
\Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the violence "riots" and urged police to prosecute, while the UN’s 2024 report notes an all‑time 6,500 displacement victims and 82 Palestinians killed by settlers.
\Around 600 families have been affected by settler attacks since the start of 2024, with many houses burned and elections shut. The incident is a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the West Bank and the challenges activists face in fighting for justice.
