Israeli Settlers Rampage Through Palestinian Villages in the West Bank Following Tragic Discovery
Israeli settlers have launched a violent assault on Palestinian communities in the West Bank, reports confirm, following the heartbreaking discovery of a missing Israeli boy found deceased in a settlement. Eyewitnesses detail the escalating attacks and tensions in the occupied territories.
Eyewitnesses told CNN that hundreds of Israeli settlers surrounded Palestinian villages and attacked residents in the occupied West Bank. This incident occurred after the body of 14-year-old Israeli boy Binyamin Achimair was found dead in the area of Malachei Ha’Shalom. The Israeli military stated that he was killed in a “terrorist attack.”
It is still unknown what caused the death, and the IDF has not confirmed if it was a "terrorist attack." CNN has asked for more information.
Shortly after, videos from CNN captured settlers setting fire to houses and cars in the village of Duma, located southeast of Nablus. The footage shows thick smoke filling the air as settlers shoot guns in the area. Witnesses reported that settlers entered homes, leading to confrontations with Palestinians.
In a video shared by CNN, a man in Duma labeled the situation as a "street war."
On social media, videos capture confrontations between Palestinians and settlers in Deir Dibwan and Beitin villages, located east of Ramallah. Palestinians are shown throwing rocks at the settlers, while Israeli military vehicles use tear gas to scatter the crowds.
The most recent attacks by settlers occurred following a major attack in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, where a Palestinian man was killed. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah reported that around 25 others were injured in the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that authorities are actively searching for the perpetrator responsible for Achimair's death and urged Israelis not to obstruct the investigation.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office (PMO) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic murder of Binyamin Achimair, may God avenge his blood. They extended their heartfelt condolences to his family.
The PMO stated that IDF and Shin Bet forces are actively pursuing the perpetrators of this heinous crime, as well as anyone who may have aided them.
A screen grab from video obtained by CNN shows cars in the village of Duma in the West Bank on April 13.
A screen grab from video obtained by CNN shows cars in the village of Duma in the West Bank on April 13.
The prime minister mentioned that Israeli security forces conduct extensive operations and intelligence work in the area and in Palestinian villages. He urged the citizens of Israel to support them and allow them to do their work without any obstacles.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is asking the public to refrain from seeking revenge on their own. He is urging everyone to let the security forces handle the search for the terrorists swiftly. Taking matters into one’s own hands will only hinder the efforts of our soldiers. It is important to trust in the law and the professionals tasked with maintaining security.
Videos captured by CNN reveal a heightened Israeli military presence at a checkpoint close to the town of Sinjil, located northeast of Ramallah.
According to a statement released by the Palestinian Red Crescent on Saturday, more than a dozen Palestinians have been taken to hospitals throughout the West Bank, with most of them sustaining injuries from gunfire.
Violence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem has been increasing since the attacks on October 7. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, at least 462 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or in settler attacks.
Reporting for this information was contributed by CNN's Lauren Izso and Chris Liakos.
