Israeli settlers have intensified attacks on Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, with incidents rising by 130% since 2023, according to a United Nations inquiry. The assaults, reported on July 3, 2026, include the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure, particularly targeting water and electricity supplies.
Increased Violence Against Palestinian Communities
In recent weeks, Israeli settlers have damaged essential services in areas like al-Maniya, southeast of Bethlehem. Local reports from the Palestinian Wafa news agency indicated that the main electricity line supplying the village was destroyed, leading to power outages and panic among residents. This incident marked the second attack on the village within a week.
Moreover, agricultural facilities near the Shufa military checkpoint in Tulkarem were vandalized, with settlers reportedly tearing protective nets from greenhouses. These actions have severely impacted the livelihoods of local farmers.
Seizure of Vital Water Sources
On the same day, Israeli settlers took control of the Ein Rawabi spring northeast of Jerusalem, a crucial water source for Bedouin communities. The Jerusalem Governorate highlighted that this spring is the only source of water for local shepherds and their livestock, which includes around 1,300 sheep. This seizure presents a direct threat to the livelihoods of numerous Bedouin families in the area.
