A Canadian advocate injured in a settler assault in an Israeli-occupied West Bank village revealed that she and three companions were attacked, thrown to the ground, and physically assaulted by settlers who also stole their wallets and passports. The woman, hailing from British Columbia, detailed the disturbing incident that occurred at a residence in Ein al-Duyuk, located about four kilometers north of Jericho, where they had been staying for less than a week.
The rise in settler violence within the occupied West Bank has been alarming, with recent incidents including the torching of a mosque and other properties, along with a military operation launched by Israel in Tubas. The activists, collaborating with a Palestinian group, have been stationed in West Bank communities to help safeguard against settler attacks, providing a protective presence during both day and night.
Sharing her experience with CBC, the woman emphasized the importance of ensuring Palestinian families can sleep peacefully without fear. She recounted the harrowing attack where masked settlers armed with weapons barged into their dwelling, physically assaulting them before fleeing with stolen belongings. Despite the ordeal, the activists remain resolute in their commitment to support vulnerable communities in the region.
Global Affairs Canada denounced the violent actions of extremist settlers and reiterated the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank under international law. The Canadian government has taken punitive measures against individuals and entities involved in extremist settler violence to deter future attacks and protect Palestinian civilians and their property.
In the aftermath of the attack, locals assisted the injured activists, who were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite the trauma, the woman expressed a strong desire to return to the village to continue their humanitarian work. The ongoing settler violence in the region has drawn condemnation from various quarters, highlighting the need for accountability and protection for Palestinian civilians facing such aggression.