Israeli forces seal West Bank village amid escalating settler violence

Israeli forces have maintained a closure on the West Bank village of al-Mughayyir for over 20 consecutive hours, restricting entry and exit. The action follows a raid where armed settlers, accompanied by Israeli soldiers, attacked residents and attempted to steal sheep, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

During the incident, settlers reportedly stole 15 lambs and wounded one sheep. Three Palestinians sustained injuries, with one hit by live fire and two beaten by settlers. Local reports indicate that settlers and Israeli forces prevented an ambulance from reaching the injured.

The head of the al-Mughayyir village council, Amin Abu Aliya, told Wafa that the gate to the village had only been opened for brief periods, suggesting the closure's aim was to displace Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry has called for international intervention amid a surge in settler violence across the occupied West Bank, describing these actions as part of a deliberate policy of "killing, terrorism and forced displacement."

A similar situation was reported in the village of Qusra, near Nablus, where Israeli settlers had previously besieged several Palestinian families in their homes, cutting off access to essential supplies. The Israeli military has installed a gate at Qusra's main entrance and erected roadblocks, forcing residents to use alternative, frequently obstructed routes. The article notes that Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians have become a systemic issue, escalating in frequency and intensity since October 2023.