Jewish Colonists Attack and Steal From Italian and Canadian Volunteers in Occupied Territories
Italy and Canada have raised concerns about the treatment of their citizens who were assaulted and robbed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Details of the Brutal Assault
A group comprising three Italians and one Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho. They had volunteered to help protect the Palestinian population from intensifying settler violence.
“In the early morning of November 30th, 10 masked settlers, two carrying army-issued rifles, burst into the home where we were resting after a night shift,” stated the Canadian volunteer.
Each of the four required hospital treatment and one, an male Italian volunteer, was still receiving care in Ramallah on Monday for more serious wounds.
Escalating Violence in Ein al-Duyuk
The pace and intensity of attacks in Ein al-Duyuk have risen dramatically over the last eight weeks. This follows the creation of an unauthorized settler encampment in the vicinity and the arrival of young and aggressive settlers.
Local observers report that aggressive acts have become an routine event. Attacks have included groups of settlers forcibly entering houses, beating villagers, and stealing livestock and property.
Legal Status and Official Responses
Although all Israeli communities on occupied territory are illegal under international law, irregular outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone theoretically under the control of the Palestinian Authority.
The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “strongly condemns the violent acts committed by radical settlers and is against any measures or talk about annexation of the Palestinian territories.”
Italy's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, told reporters: “We cannot tolerate of this aggression. This is not the way for anyone to make their claims.”
Absence of Protection and Wider Situation
Villagers and activists report there has been little effective action by security forces to halt the assaults or remove the illegal settlement. Senior figures of the current Israeli government are vocal backers of settlements in the territory.
According to UN figures that settlers and Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.
Voice of the Volunteers
The Canadian volunteer noted that, despite the attack, she felt the international presence in Ein al-Duyuk had been meaningful.
“The villagers stood taller while we were present,” she said. “The children played freely. Families could sleep soundly. Just that made our presence justified.”
A local organizer involved with groups that recruit foreign volunteers said the new outpost has brought in far-right wing settlers who seem to belong to an organised group.
