Tensions escalated in the occupied West Bank after three Palestinians were killed by Israeli settlers in the town of Al-Mughayyir. In a separate but related incident, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead by Israeli forces during protests against settler violence in the area.
According to local reports and human rights organizations, the settlers stormed Al-Mughayyir, setting fire to homes and vehicles, while opening fire on residents. The deadly assault left at least three Palestinians dead and several others wounded. Eyewitnesses described the attack as “planned and protected,” with Israeli soldiers reportedly providing cover to the armed settlers during the rampage.
Shortly after, in the nearby town of Beitin, Israeli forces shot and killed 15-year-old Qusay al-Tamimi during clashes that broke out in response to the settler violence. Local health authorities confirmed that the teenager was shot in the chest and died on the spot.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence, accusing Israel of enabling “settler terrorism” and calling on the international community to take immediate action to protect Palestinian civilians.
The United Nations and several human rights groups have long warned about the growing pattern of settler violence in the West Bank, often carried out under the protection or indifference of the Israeli military. The latest killings add to the increasing toll of Palestinian lives lost in what rights advocates describe as a campaign of forced displacement and intimidation.
