Italy and Canada have raised concerns about the treatment of their nationals who were beaten and robbed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Particulars Surrounding the Violent Incident
A group comprising three Italians and one Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning in the community of Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho. They had volunteered to help shield Palestinian residents from escalating violence by settlers.
“At 4.30am on 30 November, 10 masked settlers, two carrying army-issued rifles, burst into the home where we were sleeping after night-watch,” stated the Canadian volunteer.
All four were hospitalised and one, an male Italian volunteer, was continuing to undergo treatment in the city of Ramallah on Monday for more substantial injuries.
Rising Tensions in Ein al-Duyuk
The frequency and severity of attacks in Ein al-Duyuk have increased substantially over the past two months. This coincides with the establishment of a settler outpost nearby and the arrival of young and aggressive settlers.
Activists say that violent incidents have become an almost daily occurrence. These incidents have involved settler mobs breaking into homes, beating villagers, and taking sheep, vehicles, and destroying solar panels.
Legal Status and Government Reactions
While all settlements on land seized in 1967 are illegal under international law, unauthorized outposts are also illegal under Israeli law. The village is located within Area A of the West Bank, a zone theoretically under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “strongly condemns the violent acts committed by extremist settlers and opposes any actions or talk about absorbing Palestinian land.”
Italy's top diplomat, Minister Tajani, told reporters: “We have had enough of this aggression. This is not the way for the settlers to make their claims.”
Lack of Intervention and Broader Context
Residents and advocates report there has been no meaningful police intervention to stop the attacks or dismantle the outpost. Leading members of the current Israeli government are vocal backers of settlements in the territory.
United Nations data indicates that Israeli settlers and security forces have taken the lives of over a thousand Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.
Voice of the Volunteers
The injured Canadian added that, despite the attack, she felt the presence of volunteers in Ein al-Duyuk had been valuable.
“The villagers stood taller while we were present,” she said. “Kids were able to play outside. Families could sleep soundly. That alone made our presence justified.”
A Palestinian activist involved with groups that bring in international observers said the new outpost has brought in far-right wing settlers who appear to be part of a coordinated network.
