HEBRON, Monday, September 12, 2022 (WAFA) – Dozens of Israeli armed settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, attacked this evening Palestinian shepherds and residents of the village of al-Tiwani, in Masafer Yatta to the south of Hebron, according to a local activist.

Coordinator of the protection and steadfastness committees in Masafer Yatta, Fouad al-Amour, told WAFA that dozens of armed settlers from the illegal Israeli settlement of Maon attacked with gunfire Palestinian shepherds and residents of al-Tiwani village.

Settlers reportedly chased, and attacked with stones the village residents and shepherds and beat them up with clubs, injuring a local resident before he was detained by the army soldiers who prevented the Red Crescent medics from providing him with medical aid.

Settlers also slashed the tires of the Red Crescent ambulance in plain sight of the Israeli forces who did nothing to stop them.

Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

"Settler violence has long since become part of Palestinians’ daily life under occupation. Israeli security forces enable these actions, which result in Palestinian 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.