Jerusalem: Israeli colonists on Tuesday stole dozens of sheep from Palestinian herders in Beit Iksa village, northwest of the occupied West Bank city of Jerusalem, according to eyewitnesses.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the colonists took the sheep from several herders and transported them to a newly established pastoral outpost on land seized from the villagers. Villagers attempted to retrieve their sheep, but the colonists barred them from approaching the outpost.
Eyewitnesses reported that the colonists have been utilizing the outpost to launch repeated attacks against Palestinians, including incidents involving the harassment of herders and blocking their access to agricultural lands. These actions appear to be part of a broader attempt to assert control over significant portions of the village's land.
Beit Iksa has seen increased colonist activity, particularly following the establishment of the pastoral outpost. There have been numerous reports of attacks on residents and their property, as well as efforts to seize land for colonial settlement expansion. This poses a threat to the remaining land of the village, already isolated by the separation wall and surrounding settlements.