Bethlehem: Israeli colonists Wednesday assaulted Palestinian shepherds in the wilderness of al-Maniya village, southeast of the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, according to a local official.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Zayed Kawazbeh, head of al-Maniya Village Council, stated that a group of colonists trespassed onto the villagers' lands in the al-Maniya wilderness. The colonists attacked the shepherds and forced them to leave their farmlands. Kawazbeh noted that the assailants also grazed their cattle on the villagers' lands and set up two tents at the at-Ttina and Hajjar localities, signaling the potential establishment of a pastoral colonial outpost.
The report highlights that violence by colonists against Palestinians and their property is a frequent occurrence in the West Bank. Such incidents seldom result in prosecution by Israeli authorities. The violence includes acts such as property and mosque arsons, stone-throwing, uprooting of crops and olive trees, and attacks on vulnerable homes.
Approximately 1 million Israeli colonists reside in colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which is considered a violation of international law. The ongoing tension and violence exacerbate the situation in the region, affecting the livelihoods of local Palestinian communities.
