Shooting and arson in the South Hebron Hills: "Settlers tried to burn the house - with children inside"
Palestinians report a series of attacks in the Masafer Yatta area, including shooting, stone-throwing, and arson, resulting in six injuries. Jewish residents claim the clashes were provoked by attacks on shepherds.
Palestinian residents of the South Hebron Hills report a series of attacks occurring since the weekend. According to their claims, groups of settlers have used stones, firearms, and attempted to set houses on fire. Conversely, Jewish residents in the area maintain that the clashes were initiated by Palestinians throwing stones at Jewish shepherds, and that the video recordings circulating online show only partial segments of the events.
Overnight into Sunday, a report was received regarding the arson of property in the Wadi ar-Rahim area (Masafer Yatta). Local resident Muhammad Abd ar-Rahman Jibril stated that around 02:30 AM, individuals carrying containers of flammable liquid attempted to set fire to his home while his children were inside. Jibril claims the family managed to prevent the fire. He added that he reports these incidents to the police regularly, but they continue, and military forces arriving at the scene do not always intervene to stop the settlers.
These reports follow clashes that occurred on Saturday afternoon. Abu Karim, a resident of Idhna, stated that around 17:00, settlers began throwing stones at his relative's house. During the incident, he claims a 14-year-old boy on an electric bicycle was struck by a vehicle, and the attackers fled with the bicycle. Later, according to Abu Karim, a group of settlers opened indiscriminate fire.
Abd a-Shanran, a resident of Wadi ar-Rahim, stated that around 18:00, a group of approximately 40 people attacked, resulting in a shoulder wound for Muhammad a-Shanran. Two other women sustained head injuries. In total, he claims about six people were injured in recent incidents.
Jewish residents reject these allegations. A statement from the owners of a nearby farm claims the incident began when Palestinians arrived by vehicle and threw stones at shepherds. According to their version, IDF forces pursued the attackers, and the shepherds helped detain a suspect who resisted. The farmers emphasize that the videos do not show the initial aggression by the Palestinians and have called on the IDF to close the road used for these attacks.
The IDF stated:
"IDF forces arrived in the Khirbet Wadi Rahim area following reports of arson. During the ensuing friction between Israeli citizens and Palestinians, one Israeli and two Palestinians were injured. Forces acted to restore order. Later, a report was received regarding a Palestinian wounded by gunfire. An initial investigation indicates that the shooting was not carried out by IDF forces. Judea and Samaria District police are collecting evidence for further investigation."
