The governments of Italy and Canada have expressed alarm regarding the handling of their nationals who were beaten and robbed by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian territories under occupation.
Details of the Violent Incident
Three Italians and a Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near the city of Jericho. They were serving to help shield Palestinian residents from intensifying settler violence.
“In the early morning of November 30th, 10 masked settlers, some armed with military-style rifles, forced their way into the residence where we were resting after a night shift,” said the Canadian national.
All four were hospitalised and one, an male Italian volunteer, was continuing to undergo treatment in the city of Ramallah on Monday for more substantial injuries.
Rising Tensions in the Village
The pace and intensity of attacks in this area have risen dramatically over the past two months. This follows the establishment of a settler outpost in the vicinity and the influx of new, confrontational settlers.
Activists say that violent incidents have become an almost daily occurrence. These incidents have involved settler mobs breaking into homes, beating villagers, and stealing livestock and property.
Legal Status and Government Reactions
While all settlements on land seized in 1967 are considered unlawful by the international community, unauthorized outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone theoretically under the control of the Palestinian governing body.
The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “strongly condemns the acts of violence committed by extremist settlers and is against any measures or talk about annexation of the Palestinian territories.”
Italy's top diplomat, Minister Tajani, told reporters: “We have had enough of this hostility. This is not the way for anyone to make their claims.”
Lack of Intervention and Broader Context
Residents and advocates report there has been no meaningful police intervention to halt the assaults or remove the illegal settlement. Senior figures of the current Israeli government actively support West Bank settlers.
United Nations data indicates that Israeli settlers and security forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.
Perspective from the Ground
The injured Canadian noted that, notwithstanding the violence, she felt the presence of volunteers in Ein al-Duyuk had been meaningful.
“The villagers stood taller while we were present,” she said. “Kids were able to play outside. People slept through the night. That alone made our presence worthwhile.”
A local organizer working with groups that recruit foreign volunteers said the recent encampment has brought in ideologically driven settlers who appear to be part of a coordinated network.
