A large-scale arson assault in the occupied West Bank has left a trail of destruction after Israeli settlers allegedly torched parts of a Palestinian industrial area. The incident, which authorities have described as one of the most severe in recent years, prompted swift arrests by Israeli police and military forces.
The Incident
Scores of Israeli settlers carried out a massive arson assault in the West Bank on Tuesday, setting fire to Palestinian factories and farmland located between the cities of Nablus and Tulkarem. Local media outlets, including
The incident occurred in Beit Lid, east of Tulkarm, where fires spread to the Deir Sharaf Bedouin community and the Al-Juneidi dairy facility, according to video footage and accounts from local residents.
Extent of the Damage
Preliminary assessments indicate that several structures and vehicles were destroyed or severely damaged in the fires. The financial losses are estimated in the millions of shekels, marking one of the most devastating incidents of settler-related property damage in recent memory. Footage shared online showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the industrial area as emergency crews battled the flames.
Injuries and Casualties
Medical sources in the West Bank reported that 4 Palestinians sustained injuries during the rampage. Details about the extent of their wounds remain unclear, but witnesses described scenes of chaos as residents fled the area to escape the spreading fires. Local hospitals confirmed treating several victims for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Arrests and Official Response
Israeli authorities confirmed that multiple suspects were detained following the attack. Reports said sevral individuals believed to be involved were arrested. Both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the national police said that investigations were ongoing and that additional arrests could follow. Officials condemned the attack, emphasizing that acts of violence against civilians “undermine security and law” in the region.
Broader Context
The incident took place amid escalating unrest across the West Bank, where tensions between settlers and Palestinian residents have been on the rise. The same industrial area had previously been the site of smaller skirmishes and acts of vandalism. Human rights groups have urged Israeli authorities to take stronger action against settler violence, calling the latest arson attack a “disturbing escalation.”
Moving Forward
Both the Israeli government and Palestinian officials have appealed for calm as investigations continue. The IDF has pledged to increase patrols in volatile zones, while community leaders in Huwara have called for international attention to what they describe as ongoing “impunity” for settler violence.
Authorities say the arrests mark a significant step in addressing such attacks, though observers note that long-term peace will depend on consistent enforcement and accountability.
