Settler Violence

2023-06-24 · 13:00 · Umm Safa, Ramallah and al-Bireh

Masked settlers torch homes in Umm Safa with families inside

ArsonShootingStone-throwingLivestock theftProperty damageBlocking accessDamage to olive treesArrests or chargesAwaiting review

At about 1 p.m. on 24 June 2023, dozens of masked settlers, some armed and escorted by soldiers, entered Umm Safa from three directions. They set homes on fire, including one where a woman and two infants were inside, fired at a house, and burned cars. Soldiers fired tear gas at residents and delayed Palestinian fire trucks for about half an hour.

Footage

Original post · Archived copySHA-256 da871d2ad465a6309260e38d5927bb0dd184e8eb6c43f53f6f65125fdce5d57e

Location

Approximate: village

How it was located: Wikipedia centroid. The attack came from three directions, including Route 465 below the village homes and the eastern entrance.

Victims and damage

Injured
0
Killed
0
Damage
8 homes attacked (3 torched, windows broken in 5), a camel killed, a horse injured, 3 cars and a water tanker burned, 7 cars vandalised, pine trees and firewood set on fire, a utility pole burned

Perpetrators

Settlement or outpost of origin
Zvi's Farm outpost (Havat Zvi)
Group
Dozens of masked settlers, some armed with clubs and firearms
Army
Soldiers took part
  • Unnamed 22-year-old off-duty soldier: Indicted [4]
  • Zvi Bar Yosef: Named in reports [1] · Sanctions: UK 2024 (12 Feb 2024, Global Human Rights regime); US 2024 (EO 14115, removed 24 Jan 2025)

Legal outcome

  1. Indictment · 2023-07-12 · Accused of joining mob that broke into a home in Umm Safa with a mother and four children inside and setting a patio chair on fire in the doorway; two children suffered smoke inhalation. Charges designated as terrorism/racism; defence says he was misidentified. [4]

Sources

  1. B'Tselem – Um Safa, Ramallah District: Israeli settlers, aided by soldiers, attack local residents and set fire to homes with occupants still inside
  2. US Treasury OFAC – Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Situation in the West Bank; West Bank-related Designation Removals
  3. Isle of Man Government – Financial Sanctions: Global Human Rights (reproduces UK designations of 12 Feb 2024)
  4. Israel files terrorism charges against two settlers in West Bank rampages (Reuters via Yahoo)

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