Israel and Palestinian Territories
Israeli Settlers Torch Cars on the Outskirts of Ramallah
Source: Reuters | 1 minute ago
In a bold move, Jewish settlers set fire to around 20 cars on the outskirts of Ramallah early Monday, according to local residents. This attack took place in the Al-Bireh area, close to the Palestinian government’s headquarters in the West Bank.
Residents reported that a group of about a dozen masked individuals, carrying petrol bombs, arrived at around 3 AM (0100 GMT) and quickly ignited the cars. Despite attempts to intervene, one local, Ihab al-Zaben, recounted how the attackers ignored their efforts and even fired at them when they tried to put out the flames. The blaze left the front of a nearby residential building charred.
Ongoing Investigation
Israeli police and the Shin Bet security agency have launched an investigation following reports of the incident.
International Reaction and Condemnation
The Palestinian Authority, based in Ramallah, strongly condemned the attack, calling it “a brutal act by settler militias.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pushing for international sanctions against what they refer to as a “settler-colonial system.” Hamas, too, denounced the incident, calling for stronger resistance to what it labeled as ongoing crimes by settlers.
Tensions Rise Amid Gaza Conflict
The West Bank has long been a source of tension, with Israel establishing settlements there after the 1967 Middle East war, which Palestinians see as undermining their statehood aspirations. Violence from settlers was already increasing prior to the current Gaza conflict and has worsened since the fighting began over a year ago.
In a recent interview, a leader from the settler community voiced optimism that if Donald Trump were to win the next U.S. presidential election, he might reverse what settlers view as unfair sanctions over such incidents. While the U.S. had, under Trump, declared the settlements legal, President Joe Biden reinstated the previous stance that the settlements are illegal under international law.
Most countries maintain that Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate international law.
