Escalation of Violence: Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Villages in West Bank

Sun Mar 22 2026 19:24:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Recent retaliatory attacks by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have raised alarms, with incidents of arson and violence reported across multiple Palestinian villages.

In response to the death of an Israeli settler, Yehuda Sherman, extremist Jewish settlers launched a wave of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank. Reports indicate that homes, vehicles, and agricultural fields were set on fire, leading to injuries among Palestinians. The escalation of violence comes amid heightened tensions following the recent conflict with Iran, prompting calls for accountability from the international community.

Extremist Jewish settlers have carried out a spate of attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to homes, vehicles and agricultural fields.

The violence began after a teenage settler - 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman - was killed on Saturday, after reportedly being hit by a vehicle driven by a Palestinian while on his quad bike. Police said they were investigating whether the hit was deliberate or accidental.

In response, WhatsApp groups used by settlers called for a 'revenge campaign' over his death, according to Haaretz newspaper. More than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, according to a defense official cited by Israeli media.

Settler violence has surged since the US and Israel attacked Iran, with six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March, according to the United Nations (UN).

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that its troops and border police units were dispatched to several Palestinian villages on Saturday night. It said it had received reports of Israeli civilians 'committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area.'

The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah were among those targeted.

Footage shared online, which the BBC could not independently verify, appeared to show more than 90 individuals wearing black - many of them masked - running into Jalud.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said at least three Palestinians suffered head wounds and were taken to hospital after confronting the attackers, some of whom were also reportedly injured.

Israeli media reported that one post in a WhatsApp group used by settlers read: 'Jews won't remain silent over spilled Jewish blood'. Another read: 'We demand vengeance and expulsion of the enemy'.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assault, saying it involved the 'burning of homes and property, terrorizing and killing of civilians, and the targeting of vital roads, junctions, and main streets during Eid al-Fitr'.

More than 500 people attended the funeral of Yehuda Sherman, including Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich. Following the funeral, Jewish settlers blocked roads in protest in the occupied West Bank.

Since the start of the year, seven Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and 18 by Israeli forces, according to the UN, with 15 of the killings taking place since the Iran war started. Israel has built about 160 settlements housing 700,000 Jews since it occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war. The settlements are illegal under international law.