Four foreign nationals hospitalised after being robbed, attacked by settlers in West Bank

Four foreign nationals were hospitalised after reportedly being attacked by a group of settlers on Saturday night, according to government officials. The group included three Italian nationals and one Canadian. They were treated at a hospital in Jericho on Sunday, one of the victims told news agency AFP.

Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that “three Italian international volunteers were attacked last night by Israeli settlers,” adding that they were “still in shock from the incident.” The Palestinian Authority-run WAFA described the four wounded individuals as “international activists”.

Riyad Eid, director of the Jericho government hospital, told AFP, “Four foreigners arrived at the hospital this morning after being beaten by settlers, according to what they reported.” He said some had bruises to the face and chest, while one had been struck “in a sensitive area.” They underwent X-rays and ultrasound scans before receiving treatment and being discharged.

One of the victims, speaking anonymously to the news agency, said they were attacked by 10 settlers while sleeping in the Duyuk area. Two were reportedly armed with guns, and the others carried sticks. “They kicked me multiple times in the face, in the ribs, in the hip,” he said. “It lasted about 10 to 15 minutes. And then they took all of our things. They stole my passport, my phone, my wallet, and my bank cards, and then they left.” He added that their friend “was beaten more severely.”

Rising settler violence

The United Nations said that October had been the worst month for settler violence since it began recording incidents in 2006, with 264 attacks that caused casualties or property damage.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told local media that “they are injured but not seriously; they are returning to Ramallah and should be reached this afternoon.” He noted that Italy, France, Germany, and Britain had recently issued a joint statement condemning settler actions in the West Bank.

Speaking to La Repubblica, Tajani stressed that “no idea of annexation must be allowed” and that the Palestinian civilian population must be respected. He described attacks on Christian villages as “extremely serious” and appealed to the Israeli government “to stop the settlers and prevent the continuation of this violence.”

France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom reiterated their stance in a joint statement on Thursday, saying, “We – France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom – strongly condemn the massive increase of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and call for stability in the West Bank.”

La Repubblica reported that one of the four activists has been placed on bed rest for three days, while the others were discharged.