Palestinian Farmer Fatally Shot by Israeli Settler Amid Escalating Tensions in the West Bank

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In a recent incident near Nablus in the West Bank, a Palestinian olive harvester was fatally shot by an Israeli settler, according to the deceased’s uncle. This event raises the total number of Palestinians reportedly killed by settlers to seven since the onset of a violent conflict initiated by Hamas’s armed entry into Israel three weeks ago.

The uncle, Tayseer Mahmoud, stated that his nephew, Bilal Saleh, was tending to an olive orchard in the village of Sawiya along with his wife and their four children. They were set upon by a group of settlers. Concerned for his children’s safety, Saleh attempted to exit the area but was shot in the chest by a settler, Mahmoud explained.

Though not an eyewitness to the clash, Mahmoud was nearby and arrived on the scene within moments following the gunfire. He reported that Saleh succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could be rendered.

Yossi Dagan, a settler leader, issued a statement via a video on Facebook on Saturday, claiming that the settler who shot Saleh acted in self-defense. According to Dagan, the settler and his family were “assailed by stones thrown by scores of Hamas sympathizers engaged in violent unrest.”

Additional Context: The Israel-Hamas Conflict

The fatal event occurs in the backdrop of heightened settler aggression following a large-scale attack by Hamas militants into Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,400 Israeli fatalities and more than 230 hostages. This event catalyzed a conflict that has led to the death of over 7,700 Palestinians, as cited by the Gaza Health Ministry.

Palestinians in the West Bank have also reported escalating acts of violence against individuals and property, along with restricted access to their lands.

International Reactions

U.S. President Joe Biden has publicly condemned the intensifying violence, characterizing attacks by extremist settlers as “adding fuel to the fire” of an already volatile situation in the Middle East, ignited by the initial Hamas incursion.

Official Statements

The Israeli military has acknowledged receiving reports of a “violent altercation” between Palestinian individuals and Israeli civilians, resulting in a Palestinian fatality. A formal police investigation into the matter is underway.

A Year of Escalating Violence

The current year marks the highest level of fatalities in the West Bank since the second Palestinian intifada against Israel approximately twenty years ago. Since the eruption of the recent conflict, over 100 Palestinians, inclusive of civilians, have lost their lives, predominantly during military apprehension operations and during violent demonstrations in the West Bank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about West Bank Violence

More about West Bank Violence

• West Bank Violence Escalates: A Comprehensive Report
• Israeli-Palestinian Tensions: Historical Context
• Hamas’ Role in Recent Conflicts: An Analysis
• U.S. President Joe Biden Condemns Violence in the Middle East
• Israeli Military’s Official Statement on West Bank Incident
• Second Palestinian Intifada: A Retrospective
• Current Year Fatalities in West Bank: Statistical Data
• Impact on Palestinian Civilian Life in the West Bank