BETHLEHEM, March 24, 2025 (WAFA) – Israeli colonists Monday assaulted Palestinian shepherds in the wilderness of al-Maniya village, southeast of the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, according to a local official.

Zayed Kawazbeh, head of al-Maniya Village Council, said that a group of colonists, under army protection, trespassed onto the villagers’ lands in the al-Maniya wilderness, attacked shepherds, and attempted to steal some sheep. The villagers fended off the colonists’ attack.

He added that the occupation forces detained three villagers, including two brothers, noting that there has been a significant uptick in attacks by colonists against Palestinian shepherds and farmers in al-Maniya.

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

Colonists’ violence includes property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, and attacks on vulnerable homes, among others.

Approximately 1 million Israeli colonists are living in colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law.

K.F.