Israeli settlers seize eight Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens

The United Nations has denounced the takeover of eight Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the West Bank city of Jericho. According to the UN, settlers used force against residents, causing dozens of people to flee the area.

Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated on Thursday that settlers reportedly “used live ammunition” during the operation on Wednesday. He added that they also “physically assaulted Palestinian residents” and threw stones, “prompting the flight of families for their safety”.

Following the incident, the Israeli military designated the location a closed military zone, which has blocked humanitarian access to those now lacking shelter. “We once again condemn all of these violent activities by the Israeli settlers,” Dujarric remarked.

The Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now reported that approximately 30 settlers arrived to occupy the properties in Ein a-Duyuk a-Tahta on Wednesday afternoon. The group noted reports that settlers “assaulted and robbed two Israeli activists and shot a Palestinian man in the leg” during the takeover.

While settlers asserted that the homes were purchased legally, Palestinian authorities maintain that the documentation is fraudulent. Hanan Greenwood, a representative for the right-wing organisation Nachala, told the AFP that the group had bought the eight houses “with our help” and expressed that he was “very excited” to be there.

However, Hussein Hamayel, the governor of the Jericho region, informed the AFP that the land belongs to the Palestinian Authority and is not for sale. “What is being promoted is a forgery, not a sale, and what is being circulated is settler propaganda,” Hamayel stated.

The properties are situated in Area C of the West Bank, which has remained under Israeli control since the 1990s Oslo Accords. Israel has held the West Bank since 1967, and over 500,000 Israelis currently reside in settlements that are considered illegal under international law.

According to Peace Now, similar actions in Hebron have “led to constant friction and violence, severe restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement” and “resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians”. Residents in the Jericho area now express fear that the new settlers will escalate violence and increase the local military presence.