Four Israeli soldiers were injured in a stabbing and ramming attack near the Kochav Ya’ir settlement north of the city of Qalqilya in the West Bank.
The Israeli police stated that the attack resulted in the injury of 4 individuals and the neutralization of the assailant at the Eyal crossing, while a search is underway for another suspected person.
The Israeli ambulance service reported 4 injuries at the Kochav Ya’ir junction, including one person in critical condition.
Since the Gaza war that commenced on October 7, the West Bank has seen a marked escalation in violence, increased Israeli military operations, and a spike in settler aggression, significantly affecting the Palestinian population and infrastructure.
Israeli forces have intensified their operations across the occupied West Bank, reportedly increasing raids and using lethal force in instances where individuals posed no imminent threat. Amnesty International highlighted instances of excessive force used against Palestinian protesters and in residential raids, suggesting such actions should be investigated as potential war crimes. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that, up to November 2, 132 Palestinians, including 41 children, had been killed in the West Bank. It noted an alarming use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement operations, with settler violence reaching dramatic levels, often occurring with the implicit support or direct involvement of Israeli forces.
Local economic activities have suffered significantly due to movement restrictions and closures, with reports from residents such as a mini-market owner facing severe impacts on their livelihoods due to the lack of movement and access to and from their businesses. The United Nations has called for an end to unlawful killings and violence, emphasizing the need for Israel to investigate incidents and protect Palestinian communities.
The rise in intimidation and violence from settlers, documented by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), includes 171 attacks resulting in casualties and property damage. These attacks have not only endangered lives but also displaced communities, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. The escalation of such violence, coupled with increased movement restrictions by both Israeli authorities and settlers, has severely limited Palestinians’ access to essential services, livelihoods, and humanitarian assistance.
