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The governments of Italy and Canada have expressed alarm about the treatment of their nationals who were beaten and robbed by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Details of the Brutal Assault

Three Italians and a Canadian were assaulted in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho. They had volunteered 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, burst into the home where we were sleeping after night-watch,” stated the Canadian volunteer.

All four were hospitalised and one, an male Italian volunteer, was still receiving care in Ramallah on Monday for more substantial injuries.

Rising Tensions in the Village

The pace and intensity of attacks in this area have increased substantially over the past two months. This follows the creation of an unauthorized settler encampment nearby and the influx of new, confrontational settlers.

Activists say that aggressive acts have become an almost daily occurrence. Attacks have included groups of settlers breaking into homes, beating villagers, and taking sheep, vehicles, and destroying solar panels.

Legal Status and Government Reactions

Although all Israeli communities on occupied territory are considered unlawful by the international community, irregular outposts are also illegal under Israeli law. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone meant to be administered of the Palestinian Authority.

The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “utterly rejects the acts of violence committed by radical settlers and opposes any actions or talk about annexation of the Palestinian territories.”

The Italian foreign minister, Minister Tajani, told reporters: “We have had enough of this hostility. This is not the way for anyone to assert their rights.”

Lack of Intervention and Broader Context

Villagers and activists report there has been little effective action by security forces to stop the attacks or dismantle the outpost. Leading members of the current Israeli government actively support West Bank settlers.

According to UN figures that Israeli settlers and security forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, including 233 children, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.

Perspective from the Ground

The Canadian volunteer noted that, notwithstanding the violence, she felt the international presence in the village had been meaningful.

“The residents felt more confident while we were present,” she said. “Kids were able to play outside. People slept through the night. That alone made our presence worthwhile.”

A Palestinian activist involved with groups that bring in international observers said the recent encampment has brought in ideologically driven settlers who appear to be part of a coordinated network.