Israeli settlers burn vehicles and install caravans in occupied West Bank
Footage published by Al Jazeera shows settlers burning vehicles owned by Palestinians and installing caravans on the same plot in the village of Khirbet Wadi al-Joz in the occupied West Bank. The UN Human Rights Office called for an immediate investigation. The Israeli army has not left the site.
Footage filed by an Al Jazeera correspondent from the village of Khirbet Wadi al-Joz shows a group of settlers setting fire to three pickup trucks and two tow trucks belonging to local Palestinians, and then placing three caravans on the same plot. Village mayor Ayman Sleiman told Al Jazeera that 'this incident is the seventh attack against our village in 18 months.'
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a written statement that the events 'must be investigated immediately and independently'. According to data compiled by the Israeli rights organisation B'Tselem, recorded settler incidents in the West Bank are up 64% annually since 2024. The Israeli army announced that an investigation has been opened but has not left the plot.
The Palestinian Authority described the incident as a 'coordinated land grab attempt'. The European Union's Brussels office said in a statement that 'the list of individual sanctions targeting those responsible for settler violence will be updated.' A US State Department spokesperson described the incident as 'deeply concerning.' Al Jazeera will continue to publish follow-up reports.
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