Israeli settlers seize 8 Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens
Israeli settlers have seized eight Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens of residents with reports of live ammunition being used and physical assaults.
The United Nations has strongly condemned the seizure of eight Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, reporting that the settlers used live ammunition and physically assaulted residents, forcing dozens of people to flee for their safety.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Thursday that the takeover occurred the previous day, with settlers also throwing stones at residents. Some displaced families now lack adequate shelter, while the Israeli military has declared the area a closed military zone, preventing humanitarian workers from reaching those affected.
Settler claims
The incident involved approximately 30 Israeli settlers who took over houses in Ein a-Duyuk a-Tahta on the outskirts of Jericho on Wednesday afternoon, according to settlement watchdog Peace Now. The group reported that settlers assaulted and robbed two Israeli activists and shot a Palestinian man in the leg during the seizure.
We once again condemn all of these violent activities by the Israeli settlers.
Disputed ownership
While the settlers claimed they legally purchased the homes, Palestinian officials assert the sale documents were forged. Hanan Greenwood, a settler representative, told AFP that Nachala, a right-wing Israeli organization, had bought the eight homes with their help, expressing excitement about the takeover.
However, Hussein Hamayel, governor of the Jericho region, countered that the land belongs to the Palestinian Authority and cannot be sold. 'What is being promoted is a forgery, not a sale, and what is being circulated is settler propaganda,' Hamayel stated.
Wider context
The seized properties are located in the West Bank's Area C, under Israeli control since the Oslo Accords of the 1990s. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, with over 500,000 Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law.
Settler violence in the occupied West Bank has reached near-record highs this year, with several Palestinian communities in the greater Jericho area already displaced. Residents fear the new settlers will escalate violence and increase military presence, similar to patterns seen in Hebron where 400 settlers live among 250,000 Palestinians, leading to constant friction and displacement.
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