Zionist settlers launch assaults on Palestinian towns in response to Gaza truce agreement amid ongoing unrest
Israeli settlers, supported by occupation forces, have entered multiple Palestinian towns in the West Bank, expressing their discontent over a Gaza ceasefire agreement perceived by many as a setback for the occupation authorities.
On Sunday evening, settlers launched attacks on Palestinian vehicles and blocked key roads in multiple locations, including Turmus Ayy, ‘Atara, Ein Siniya, Ein Ayoub, Qalqilya, and Jaba’.
According to reports from WAFA news agency, two homes and four vehicles were set ablaze in Sinjil.
Recently released footage on social media platforms depicts Israeli settlers engaged in raids, during which they are seen throwing stones and Molotov cocktails.
The attacks occurred just hours prior to Israel’s release of the initial batch of Palestinian detainees, which comprised 69 women and 21 children, as part of a deal for the liberation of three Israeli captives.
In accordance with the truce agreement established between Hamas and Israel, there was an exchange intended to halt the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The initiative seeks to mitigate the prolonged hostilities affecting the region.
Hardline Israeli factions have rebuffed the proposed agreement, advocating for the continuation of the intensive military operations in Gaza.
Before the agreement was finalized, Israeli Minister of Military Affairs, Israel Katz, authorized the release of all 16 settlers who had been held under administrative detention for their alleged participation in assaults on Palestinians in the West Bank.
He stated that the release of the settlers was intended to “send a clear message aimed at reinforcing and promoting the expansion of settlements.”
In light of Sunday’s attacks, the human rights organization Yesh Din has criticized what it describes as unchecked settler aggression towards Palestinians. The group contends that the failure of authorities to respond effectively signals tacit approval from the Tel Aviv administration and minister Katz, particularly when they express intentions to “strengthen and encourage” settlement expansions.
Since October 7, 2023, there has been a marked increase in violence by settlers, coinciding with Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza.
The occupying regime has not succeeded in meeting its stated goals of liberating hostages and dismantling Hamas, despite a significant toll of approximately 47,000 Palestinian fatalities, largely composed of women and children, in the Gaza region.
Israel consented to a ceasefire in Gaza, which came into effect on Sunday morning, aligning with the longstanding negotiation terms set by Hamas.
