Nablus:The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission has reported that the arson attack on a vehicle repair shop in the village of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, south of Nablus, is part of a recurring pattern of fire-related assaults targeting the security and livelihoods of Palestinian citizens. This incident, which occurred early Wednesday morning, resulted in a fire at the site that residents attempted to extinguish. Subsequently, Israeli occupation forces raided the village following the settlers' attack.
According to Maan News Agency, the commission's data reveals that there have been 1,182 arson attacks carried out by the Israeli army and settlers in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, from October 7, 2023, to September 30, 2026. Among these, 809 attacks targeted property, vehicles, and facilities, while 373 were directed at land, highlighting the widespread use of arson as a means to undermine Palestinian life.
The commission identified the governorates of Ramallah and Al-Bireh and Nablus as the focal points of these attacks. Ramallah and Al-Bireh recorded 376 incidents, followed by Nablus with 335, amounting to 60.2% of all documented fires. In Nablus, 207 attacks were on property and 128 on land, whereas Ramallah and Al-Bireh experienced 238 property attacks and 138 land attacks.
Other affected areas include Hebron with 112 arson attacks, Jenin with 73, and Bethlehem with 64. Additional incidents were reported in Tulkarm, Salfit, Qalqilya, Jerusalem, Tubas, and Jericho. This distribution illustrates the concentration of arson in central and northern regions, frequently affecting Palestinian villages, lands, and facilities.
The commission also noted previous arson attacks in Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, including an incident on April 6, 2026, where settlers burned a house, tents, vehicles, and assaulted residents. The October report documented further arson by settlers on October 19 between Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya and Salfit. These repeated attacks create ongoing fear and losses for residents and property owners.
The authority emphasized that the consequences of such attacks extend beyond immediate property damage, disrupting work, family income, and rebuilding capacity. Burning fields and trees damages agricultural seasons, while homes and tents become dangerous, forcing families to seek alternative shelter.
The commission stated that the Israeli army's responsibility is not limited to direct attacks; its records also document settler attacks occurring with the presence or protection of Israeli forces, and obstruction of civilian and aid worker access to attack sites. This protection and impunity enable repeated attacks, increasing pressure on entire communities.
To address these attacks, the commission stressed the need to protect citizens and their property, ensure access for emergency services, and hold perpetrators and their protectors accountable. Repeated arson targeting homes, businesses, and farms serves as a tool for creating a coercive environment and weakening Palestinians' ability to remain on their land.
Source Maan News Agency