Israel’s B'Tselem Foundation has announced that the settlers’ attacks on the Palestinians are constantly increasing, under the protection of the Israeli occupation army.
In June, the Israeli settlers destroyed private properties in 10 villages, the Foundation said in its report.
It explained that during this month, they burned about 1,800 trees and dozens of acres of fields planted with grains, uprooted more than 700 vegetable seedlings and destroyed at least 55 cars, in addition to writing hostile slogans.
The report also mentioned attacks in Nablus, during which settlers threw stones at houses, punctured car tires and burned trees and agricultural lands.
In Ramallah, according to the report, settlers punctured tires of 22 cars, set fire to fields and burned about 200 olive trees and other fruit trees. These attacks targeted Bethlehem, Salfit and several other areas.
“For years, these attacks have been repeated under the Israeli army’s protection and support,” B'Tselem said.
Upon the completion of this report, B'Tselem has investigated six new attacks in July 2019.
The Foundation considered this known and permanent routine is not meant to take place. Instead, it is part of the policy pursued by the government in the West Bank and used to serve the state’s interests.
This policy aims at putting pressure on Palestinians by attacking their agriculture sector, gradually transferring farmers’ lands to settlers after their owners abandoned them by force and due to their fears from settlers’ violence.
In order for their policy to succeed, Israeli authorities refrain from investigating these crimes, reassuring perpetrators that they will not be punished for the crimes they have committed.
“This is well understood by the settlers and by the Palestinians, who remain without any protection,” the report noted.
