Settlers reported to torch West Bank fields and attack Palestinians Monday night

Extremist settlers torched fields in the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya and attacked Palestinians in Beita and near Bethlehem on Monday night, injuring at least two, according to Palestinian media. No arrests were reported. The IDF did not comment on reports that troops held up an ambulance. The article cites a dramatic rise in settler violence, with Kan figures showing 660 serious incidents in the first six months of 2026, up from 405, a 63% increase. Six Palestinians were killed and 140 wounded in the first half of the year, compared to no deaths and 82 injuries in 2025. The incidents came days after the IDF ordered the evacuation of 15 homes in Qusra, an order it later rescinded. In a separate incident, an IDF raid in Qabatiya drew scrutiny after footage showed a Palestinian man marked with the number 44 on his forehead; a military source acknowledged inappropriate conduct.

Extremist settlers torched Palestinian fields in the West Bank village of Turmus Ayya and carried out attacks in two other locations on Monday night, injuring at least two Palestinians, according to Palestinian media. No arrests were reported. In Turmus Ayya, north of Ramallah, settlers set fire to fields on the village's outskirts, per the Palestinian Authority's Wafa news agency. Palestinian media also reported that Israeli troops held up an ambulance attempting to reach the area; the IDF did not immediately comment. The village is frequently targeted by extremist settlers, who have established illegal outposts nearby. Most residents hold American citizenship and have criticized the US government for not doing enough to protect them. The alleged arson was one of several attacks reported Monday evening. Wafa said settlers entered Beita, south of Nablus, and hurled stones, injuring two Palestinians. Separately, armed settlers stopped a vehicle south of Bethlehem at gunpoint and pepper-sprayed passengers, including a child. The article cites a dramatic rise in settler violence, with Kan figures showing 660 serious incidents in the first six months of 2026, up from 405, a 63% increase. Six Palestinians were killed and 140 wounded in the first half of the year, compared to no deaths and 82 injuries in 2025. Attacks on security forces rose 50% to 45 incidents. The incidents came days after the IDF ordered the evacuation of 15 homes in Qusra, an order it later rescinded. Critics accuse the government of turning a blind eye to the violence. In a separate incident, an IDF raid in Qabatiya drew scrutiny after footage showed a Palestinian man marked with the number 44 on his forehead; a military source acknowledged inappropriate conduct.