BETHLEHEM, Tuesday, September 6, 2022 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers today attacked, under the protection of Israeli forces, Palestinian residents and their homes in Khalayel al-Looz area to the south of Bethlehem, according to a local official.

Hassan Breijeh, director of the Bethlehem office of the Wall and Settlements Resistance Commission, told WAFA that a group of settlers beat up residents and attacked with stones several houses belonging to the ‘Abiyyat family in the Khalayel al-Looz area, causing injuries to one resident.

Israeli forces did nothing to stop the settlers’ attack but rather joined in on the attack, firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades toward residents.

Forces also detained a number of residents for attempting to fend off the settlers’ attack on their homes.

This is the third such attack in a matter of one week, said the local official.

"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," said the Israeli information center for human rights in occupied territories, B’Tselem.

"Investigations, if even opened, are usually closed with no action taken against perpetrators as part of an undeclared policy of leniency. 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 B'Tselem.

T.R.