Asger Risom
Israeli settlers set fire to homes in Kafr Malik, prompting deadly confrontations. Three Palestinians were killed, and tensions continue to rise in the West Bank.
Tensions in the occupied West Bank have continued to escalate, with recent settler violence triggering deadly confrontations.
Israel’s policy of settling its civilians in occupied Palestinian territory and displacing the local population contravenes fundamental rules of international humanitarian law.
As hostilities intensify, the potential for further instability looms large, drawing renewed international scrutiny to the volatile region.
Deadly violence erupts in Kafr Malik
Violence broke out in the West Bank town of Kafr Malik on Wednesday after dozens of Israeli settlers launched an assault, setting fire to Palestinian property, reports Digi24.
The Israeli military responded to the unrest, and according to the Palestinian Health Ministry, three Palestinians were killed and seven injured.
Footage shared on social media showed at least two vehicles ablaze, though Reuters was unable to verify the images.
The Israeli army confirmed that troops and police were dispatched after reports of escalating violence, including stone-throwing on both sides.
The military stated that some Palestinians opened fire on the forces, prompting return fire.
One Israeli officer was lightly injured, and five Israeli suspects were arrested. The army’s statement emphasized that their response was triggered by live fire and assaults directed at soldiers and police.
Regional reaction and further incidents
The latest flare-up follows a pattern of increasing tension in the West Bank, with settler violence adding to the strain.
Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh condemned the Israeli government’s actions on X, warning that its behavior is pushing the region “toward explosion” and calling for international intervention.
Earlier the same day, a separate incident occurred in the town of Al-Yamun near Jenin, where a Palestinian boy was reportedly shot and killed by Israeli forces during a raid, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
