Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank, attacking people and properties

BBC:

Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles and agricultural fields.

The violence began after a teenage settler – 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman – was killed on Saturday, after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike. Police said they were investigating whether the hit was deliberate or accidental.

In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a “revenge campaign” over his death. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, according to a defence official cited by Israeli media.

Settler violence has surged since the US and Israel attacked Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March, according to the United Nations (UN).

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its troops and border police units were dispatched to several Palestinian villages on Saturday night, after receiving reports of Israeli civilians “committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area”.

The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.

Footage shared online, which the BBC could not independently verify, appeared to show more than 90 individuals wearing black – many of them masked – running into Jalud.