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West Bank settler tensions
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Israeli settlers attacked West Bank villages Qusra and Jilud on Saturday, trapping Palestinians. Netanyahu condemned the attacks as criminal, rare criticism of settlers.
Background
Tensions in the West Bank have escalated over the past month, with settler attacks on Palestinian villages increasing. Earlier in August, settlers besieged Qusra, blocking supplies, drawing international condemnation. The recent violence follows weeks of tension and comes ahead of Israeli elections on October 27.
How it unfolded
- Aug 9, 2026Settlers began a siege on Palestinian homes in Qusra's Ras al-Ain area, trapping families and cutting off supplies.
- Aug 25, 2026Settlers attacked AFP journalists reporting in Jannatah, injuring at least five people.
- Aug 27, 2026IDF chief ordered major bolstering of troops in the West Bank due to escalated tensions.
- Aug 29, 2026Dozens of masked settlers attacked Qusra and Jilud, surrounding a home with seven Palestinians inside. Netanyahu condemned the attacks as 'criminal acts of violence'.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Prime Minister Netanyahu labeled the settler attacks 'criminal acts of violence' harming Israel's standing in the world.
- Residents
- A Qusra resident told Al Jazeera, 'We're not safe here. We fear for our own safety. Settlers are still moving freely around the house.'
- Military
- The IDF chief warned that mounting settler violence could ignite a broader escalation in the territory.
Still unverified
Reports of a British activist detained by settlers and facing deportation after UK intervention; details not fully confirmed.