Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Neighborhoods in Al-Bireh
Palestinian officials have reported a troubling incident in which Israeli settlers launched an aggressive attack on neighborhoods in Al-Bireh, located near the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The assault, which occurred during the early morning hours, resulted in the burning of at least 18 vehicles and various properties, although fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Palestinian Authority, which governs population centers within the territory, condemned this violent act. In response, Israeli police, who are responsible for law enforcement involving settlers in the West Bank, announced that they are currently investigating the incident.
On the morning of November 4, 2024, Israeli military investigators were seen arriving at the scene of the attack, which took place on the outskirts of Al-Bireh, a city adjacent to Ramallah where many senior Palestinian officials and international missions are based. Since the outbreak of violence on October 7 of the previous year, there has been a marked increase in settler attacks on Palestinians and their property throughout the occupied West Bank; however, such incidents in and around Ramallah are relatively uncommon.
It is important to note that over 500,000 Jewish settlers, who hold Israeli citizenship, reside in numerous settlements scattered across the West Bank, most of which the international community deems illegal.
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In a separate yet significant development, senior officials from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed their strong disapproval on Monday regarding Israel’s recent decision to terminate an agreement with UNRWA, the United Nations agency responsible for providing essential aid in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. This abrupt ending of the agreement follows legislation passed the previous month that aims to sever ties with the agency, effectively preventing it from operating within Israel.
Varsen Shahin, a high-ranking official in the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, voiced serious concerns about the legality of this decision, stating, “We are deeply troubled by this unlawful action, which revokes the privileges and immunity of UNRWA and halts its operations in the occupied state of Palestine.” Shahin further emphasized, “We consider these laws illegal, null, and void.”
Israel has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, a claim that the agency has vehemently denied, maintaining its commitment to neutrality. International aid organizations have raised alarms that this new legislation could significantly hinder UNRWA’s efforts, thereby exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis facing the people of Gaza.
