• Israeli settlers have launched a series of violent attacks in Bruqin, West Bank.
• Over 11,000 Palestinians are affected by escalating violence and property damage.
• Influence of political rhetoric and military operations contributing to the unrest.

In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Bruqin, torched homes and vehicles, and reportedly assaulted residents, creating a state of fear among the local population. These incidents occurred close to the location where a pregnant settler, Tzeela Gez, was killed earlier this month. Villagers reported that dozens of settlers arrived at night, throwing Molotov cocktails and attacking anyone in their path. Akram Sabra, a local resident, stated, "I saw my vehicles were burned and then they beat me on the head and I am still dizzy," illustrating the physical and emotional toll of these assaults, according to Reuters, TRT Global, and India Times.

The Israeli military confirmed receiving reports of vandalism in Bruqin and imposed a strict lockdown in the area following Gez's death. They claimed that soldiers had been dispatched but were unable to apprehend the assailants, who had escaped before their arrival. This lack of immediate action has led to further unrest, as residents expressed disbelief at the ongoing violence. According to reports from the United Nations humanitarian organization OCHA, over 11,000 Palestinians are currently trapped in the region, facing 28 incidents of violence reported just in the week leading up to May 19, per Reuters and TRT Global.

The violence against Palestinians in Bruqin mirrors broader trends in the West Bank, where attacks have sharply increased amidst ongoing military operations and heightened political tensions. As the Israeli government continues to support settlement expansions, fears of a wider Israeli takeover grow among Palestinians. Mustafa Khater, another villager, emphasized the frequency of these assaults, stating, "They come at us almost on a daily basis, even sometimes several times a day," reflecting pervasive insecurity in the area. The international community generally views settlement activities as illegal under international law, a stance Israel disputes based on historical claims, according to Reuters, TRT Global, and India Times.