SALFIT, September 28, 2024 (WAFA) — A sheep herder was assaulted by armed Israeli colonists this afternoon while tending to his flock in the northern outskirts of the village of Deir Istiya, located in the occupied West Bank province of Salfit.

The incident involved multiple colonists who threatened the herder with weapons, according to witnesses.

Nazmi Salman, a local anti-settlement activist, reported that four armed colonists attacked 28-year-old Ghassan Salman during his routine grazing activities in the Al-Zuhur area, north of the village.

The assailants reportedly beat the herder and sprayed pepper spray in his eyes, intensifying the violence of the encounter.

In addition, the colonists threatened Salman with firearms, demanding that he leave the land and attempting to steal his sheep. 

Firas Dhiab, the mayor of Deir Istiya, condemned the attack, noting that the Salman family has faced continuous harassment from colonists residing in an outpost near the village established several months ago.

He emphasized that such assaults have become increasingly common, particularly against sheep herders.

M.N