Israeli Military Shoots and Kills Palestinian Assailant, Settler Violence Erupts in Palestinian Town

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According to Israeli police, an incident occurred on Saturday in the West Bank where a Palestinian assailant opened fire at an Israeli military checkpoint. The assailant was subsequently shot and killed by Israeli security forces. Simultaneously, in another part of the occupied territory, a group of settlers went on a rampage through a Palestinian village, engaging in destructive activities such as hurling stones, firing bullets, and setting fire to homes.

The incident at the Qalandiya checkpoint took place early in the morning when the Palestinian gunman approached Israeli troops stationed there and began firing with an M16 rifle. Israeli security forces responded by returning fire, resulting in the death of the assailant. Two security guards in their twenties sustained minor injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment, likely from bullet fragments. The identity of the attacker has not been confirmed at this time.

Later on the same day, residents of Umm Safa, a Palestinian village, reported that around 50 armed Israeli settlers entered their community. The settlers reportedly carried rifles and flammable substances, causing havoc as they roamed the streets. They attempted to set fire to at least five homes, with occupants still inside. Upon receiving the information, the Israeli military deployed security forces to the scene, leading to the arrest of an Israeli citizen.

Palestinian rescue teams worked diligently to evacuate young children who were trapped inside a burning house and suffering from smoke inhalation. Some settlers targeted civilians and medics, with reports indicating that Mohammed Radi, a correspondent from Palestine TV, was fired upon, resulting in damage to his camera. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that one of their medics was injured by gunfire. In a separate incident, two medics sustained injuries when settlers threw a large rock at their ambulance, causing the windshield to shatter.

Furthermore, it was reported that Israeli settlers shot and killed a horse in the village, leaving residents like Ibrahim Ebiat outraged and fearful, describing the situation as pure terror.

Witnesses stated that young Palestinians responded by throwing rocks at Israeli security forces, who in turn used tear gas and opened fire. The Israeli military claimed they were “working to disperse the friction” but criticized the violence. One soldier sustained injuries after being hit by a thrown stone.

Yair Lapid, the head of the Israeli opposition, called upon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to condemn and address the situation appropriately, referring to the settler violence as crossing every line.

These recent events conclude a violent week in the West Bank that resulted in the deaths of 16 Palestinians and four Israelis.

Earlier in the week, a prolonged gun battle between Israeli security forces and Palestinian militants in the Jenin refugee camp led to the deaths of seven Palestinians and the injury of eight Israeli soldiers. Subsequently, two Palestinian gunmen killed four Israeli civilians at a gas station before being shot and killed. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike carried out by a pilotless drone killed three Palestinian militants in a car. In retaliation for the deadly Palestinian shooting, Israeli settlers launched attacks, resulting in the death of one Palestinian, numerous injuries, and significant damage in Palestinian towns.

On the preceding day, Palestinian health officials reported the death of Tariq Idris, a 39-year-old man, who sustained injuries during confrontations with Israeli security forces in Nablus. The Israeli military had conducted a raid in Nablus to apprehend three suspected Palestinian militants and encountered residents who shot at them and threw Molotov cocktails.

The escalating violence has increased pressure on Netanyahu’s far-right government, with hard-liners calling for a comprehensive military operation against Palestinian militants. The Palestinian Authority has also faced criticism for its perceived failure to protect Palestinian civilians.

This year has witnessed one of the highest casualty rates for