HEBRON, Tuesday, January 12, 2021 (WAFA) - Armed Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian family in Hebron's town of Beit Ummar and uprooted dozens of their fully-grown trees, according to a local activist.

Local activist, Mohammed Awad, told WAFA a group of armed settlers from the Israeli settlement of Karmei Tzur, built illegally on Beit Ummar land, backed by Israeli army forces, uprooted dozens of fully-grown almond trees and grapevines belonging to local resident Mohammed Abu Snaineh.

Settlers further assaulted and threatened Abu Snaineh and his family at gunpoint and prevented them from entering their land.

According to the Israeli information center for human rights in occupied territories, B'Tselem: "Settler violence has long since become part of Palestinians’ daily life under occupation. Israeli security forces enable these actions, which result in Palestinians casualties – injuries and fatalities – as well as damage to land and property."

"In some cases, they even serve as an armed escort or even join in the attacks. Investigations, if even opened, are usually closed with no action taken against perpetrators as part of an undeclared policy of leniency," added B'Tselem.

"The long-term effect of this violence is the dispossession of Palestinians from increasing parts of the West Bank, making it easier for Israel to take over land and resources," said the center.

K.T./T.R.