🔗 Share this article Jewish Settlers Assault and Rob European and North American Volunteers in West Bank Italy and Canada have raised concerns about the treatment of their citizens who were beaten and robbed by Jewish settlers in the Palestinian territories under occupation. Details of the Brutal Assault Three Italians and a Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning 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. “At 4.30am on 30 November, a group of ten masked settlers, two carrying army-issued rifles, burst into the home where we were resting after a night shift,” said the Canadian national. Each of the four required hospital treatment and one, an male Italian volunteer, was still receiving care in the city of Ramallah on Monday for more serious wounds. Rising Tensions in Ein al-Duyuk The pace and intensity of attacks in this area have risen dramatically over the past two months. This coincides with the establishment of a settler outpost nearby and the arrival of young and aggressive settlers. Local observers report that aggressive acts have become an almost daily occurrence. These incidents have involved groups of settlers breaking into homes, beating villagers, and taking sheep, vehicles, and destroying solar panels. International Law and Government Reactions While all settlements on land seized in 1967 are considered unlawful by the international community, unauthorized outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone meant to be administered of the Palestinian governing body. The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “strongly condemns the acts of violence committed by extremist settlers and is against any measures or talk about absorbing Palestinian land.” Italy's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, told reporters: “We cannot tolerate of this hostility. This is not the way for anyone to make their claims.” Lack of Intervention and Wider Situation Residents and advocates report there has been little effective action by security forces to stop the attacks or remove the illegal settlement. Leading members of the current Israeli government actively support West Bank settlers. According to UN figures that settlers and Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the last 24 months. Voice of the Volunteers The injured Canadian added that, notwithstanding the violence, she felt the international presence in Ein al-Duyuk had been meaningful. “The residents felt more confident while we were present,” she said. “The children played freely. Families could sleep soundly. That alone made our presence justified.” A Palestinian activist involved with groups that recruit foreign volunteers said the new outpost has brought in far-right wing settlers who seem to belong to an organised group.