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Palestinian Man Brutally Attacked by Masked Assailants in West Bank as Settler Violence Escalates
A 67-year-old Palestinian man was severely beaten by dozens of masked assailants who attacked a plant nursery in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday, according to eyewitness accounts and security camera footage obtained by The Associated Press.
The video shows men dressed primarily in black with covered faces using sticks to beat and kick Basim Saleh Yassin, who was left on the ground during the attack at the German-Palestinian-run facility in Deir Sharaf village. Family members who witnessed the incident said Yassin, who is deaf, was unable to hear warnings to flee when the attackers approached.
According to family members who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisals, Yassin sustained broken bones in his hand and injuries to his face, chest, and back. He is currently hospitalized. The attackers also burned four cars at the nursery.
The incident represents the latest in a disturbing trend of increasing settler violence across the West Bank. Family members noted this was the third attack on their nursery within a year, with a previous September incident reportedly causing more than $600,000 in damage to offices and facilities.
The security footage clearly documents the brutality of the assault. Yassin is seen attempting to run from the group before falling. Multiple attackers then strike him with sticks and kick him repeatedly, including a final blow to his head as they departed, leaving him motionless on the pavement.
Israel’s military reported that soldiers were dispatched to the Shavei Shomron junction near the attack following reports of “dozens of masked Israelis vandalizing property.” Three suspects were apprehended and turned over to police for questioning. In a statement, Israeli security forces condemned violence “of any kind.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously characterized perpetrators of such attacks as “a handful of extremists” and called for law enforcement action against those who “take the law into their own hands.” However, human rights organizations and Palestinian representatives contend the problem is far more widespread and systematic, with such attacks now occurring daily throughout the territory.
Violence against Palestinians has particularly intensified during the October olive harvest season and has continued unabated since. Critics say Israeli authorities have done little beyond issuing occasional condemnations.
The attack comes amid ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are widely considered illegal under international law. Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza – territories Palestinians claim for a future state – during the 1967 war. More than 500,000 Jews now live in West Bank settlements.
Last month, Israel’s Cabinet approved plans for 19 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank, further threatening the possibility of a Palestinian state. Additionally, the government has cleared final hurdles to begin construction on a controversial settlement near Jerusalem that would effectively divide the West Bank in two.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, hospitals reported at least two Palestinians killed on Thursday. Al-Ahly Hospital received the body of a man killed in an Israeli strike in eastern Gaza City’s Zaytoun neighborhood, while Nasser Hospital reported a Palestinian killed by Israeli gunfire in Bein Suhaila town near Khan Younis. Israel’s military later stated its forces had killed three “terrorists” who had approached troops in northern and southern Gaza.
A fragile ceasefire has been in place in Gaza since October 10, with mediators working to advance negotiations between Israel and Hamas into a more complex second phase addressing Gaza’s security and future governance. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire, while the remains of one hostage from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that triggered the war remain in the territory.
The ongoing violence in both the West Bank and Gaza highlights the persistent tensions and humanitarian concerns in the region, even as diplomatic efforts continue to establish lasting peace.
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8 Comments
This is an appalling act of violence against a vulnerable Palestinian civilian. The brutality of the masked assailants is deeply disturbing and highlights the ongoing issues of settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Agreed. The lack of accountability for such attacks is deeply concerning. Authorities must do more to protect Palestinian civilians and their property from these kinds of extremist acts.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of Palestinian civilians living under occupation and the urgent need for effective measures to curb settler violence and protect their basic rights.
The video is deeply disturbing and underscores the ongoing human rights abuses faced by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Greater efforts are needed to address this cycle of violence and ensure the protection of civilian populations.
The escalating settler violence in the West Bank is a serious human rights concern that warrants greater international attention and pressure on the Israeli government to address this issue.
Absolutely. The continued impunity for such attacks only emboldens the perpetrators and undermines efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.
It’s distressing to see such brutal attacks on innocent Palestinians. The international community must hold the Israeli government accountable for failing to prevent and punish these acts of violence.
Agreed. The lack of accountability for settler violence is a major obstacle to peace and stability in the region. Stronger legal and security measures are needed to protect Palestinian civilians.