NGO survey finds increased restrictions on movement in occupied West Bank
A report detailing the results of a survey of 29 non-governmental organisations operating in the occupied West Bank has found many aid groups have reduced or suspended operations there and are facing greater restrictions on movement.
The report said “93 percent of surveyed NGOs in the West Bank report a sharp increase in movement restrictions throughout the reporting period”, and noted that 86 percent reported that things such as increased waiting time at Israeli checkpoints have hindered efforts to distribute aid.
About 72 percent of NGOs also said violent attacks by Israeli settlers are affecting their areas of operation.
Settlers storm village in occupied West Bank
Israeli settlers attacked the village of Deir Dibwan, east of Ramallah, in footage published by locals in the occupied West Bank on Telegram and verified by Al Jazeera.
In the videos, smoke can be seen rising from homes and farms in the area as Palestinians try to extinguish fires. A large vehicle can also be seen completely burned out, with flames still visible in the back as a Palestinian sprayed water from a hose to contain the fire.
German ambassador to Israel alarmed over increase in settler outposts
Germany’s ambassador to Israel said in a social media post that he met Israeli anti-occupation groups Peace Now and Keren Navot for a report on attacks on Palestinian shepherds by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
“They presented an alarming report about the rapid increase of settler herding outposts in the West Bank pushing out Palestinian shepherd communities,” Steffen Seibert said in a social media post.
“Glad to see so much interest from colleagues in the diplomatic community.”
Injuries reported after Israeli settlers storm occupied West Bank village
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) says seven Palestinians have been injured in the settler attack on the village of Deir Dibwan, east of Ramallah, that we reported on earlier.
The West Bank is home to more than three million Palestinians who live under Israeli military rule, with the Palestinian Authority governing in limited areas. Israel has already built more than 100 illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank that are home to some 500,000 settlers. The settlements range from small outposts to larger communities with modern infrastructure.
Israeli settlers rarely face consequences for West Bank attacks
There have been two attacks on separate villages just east of Ramallah, where at least seven people have been injured by these Israeli settlers who set fire to Palestinian homes, vehicles and agricultural land.
Oftentimes, these attacks happen under the protection of Israeli forces. There is little to no consequence whatsoever, and Palestinians will tell you they’re essentially defenceless from settler attacks and Israeli army raids, with no one to protect them.
Israeli settlers are often rewarded by the Israeli government. Just last week, there were 22 new illegal settlements that were approved, many of which were outposts illegal even under Israeli law.
This is when Israeli settlers set up some caravans or tents on privately owned Palestinian land, and then the state of Israel ends up recognising that – effectively taking that land away from the Palestinians.
So these types of settler attacks have only increased since the war on Gaza began, and the UN says they’re at record-high numbers.
