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Italy and Canada have raised concerns regarding the handling of their citizens who were beaten and robbed by Jewish settlers in the Palestinian territories under occupation.

Details of the Brutal Assault

A group comprising three Italians and one Canadian were assaulted in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near the city of Jericho. They had volunteered to help shield Palestinian residents from escalating violence by settlers.

“In the early morning of November 30th, 10 masked settlers, two carrying army-issued rifles, forced their way into the residence where we were resting after a night shift,” stated the Canadian volunteer.

All four were hospitalised and one, an Italian man, was still receiving care in Ramallah on Monday for more serious wounds.

Escalating Violence in Ein al-Duyuk

The pace and intensity of attacks in this area have risen dramatically over the last eight weeks. This follows the creation of an unauthorized settler encampment nearby and the arrival of young and aggressive settlers.

Local observers report that violent incidents have become an almost daily occurrence. These incidents have involved settler mobs forcibly entering houses, beating villagers, and stealing livestock and property.

Legal Status and Government Reactions

While all settlements on occupied territory are considered unlawful by the international community, irregular outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. The village is located within Area A of the West Bank, a zone theoretically under the control of the Palestinian governing body.

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

The Italian foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, told reporters: “We cannot tolerate of this aggression. This is not the way for the settlers to make their claims.”

Absence of Protection and Wider Situation

Residents and advocates report there has been little effective action by security forces to stop the attacks or dismantle the outpost. Leading members of the Israeli governing coalition are vocal backers of settlements in the territory.

United Nations data indicates that settlers and Israeli forces have taken the lives of over a thousand Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.

Perspective from the Ground

The Canadian volunteer added that, notwithstanding the violence, she felt the presence of volunteers in the village had been valuable.

“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 justified.”

A Palestinian activist involved with groups that bring in international observers said the recent encampment has brought in far-right wing settlers who seem to belong to an organised group.