Ein al-Duyuk, West Bank — A Canadian activist injured during a settler assault over the weekend described a harrowing experience where she and three colleagues were violently attacked in a Palestinian village. The incident took place early Sunday morning in Ein al-Duyuk, about four kilometers from Jericho, shortly after their arrival in the area to support local communities amid escalating settler violence.
The woman, who is from British Columbia and requested anonymity due to safety concerns, recounted that masked assailants confronted them at approximately 4:30 a.m., brandishing weapons and clubs. She claimed that the group was forcibly thrown to the ground, where they were beaten, enduring multiple injuries. “They took turns beating us,” she said, detailing how she was kicked repeatedly in various areas of her body, while one of her colleagues suffered more severe abuse.
The attack is part of a broader trend of increased violence from settlers in the West Bank. In recent weeks, numerous incidents have been reported, including the burning of property and heightened tensions around the ongoing olive harvest. Activists like the Canadian woman have been working with local Palestinian groups to monitor and protect villages prone to such violence.
In response to the rise in settler attacks, Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged awareness of the incident involving the Canadian citizen, condemning the violent actions of extremist settlers. The Canadian government reiterated its position that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and has previously imposed sanctions on individuals linked to similar violence.
The activist expressed a deep commitment to her cause, stating their primary goal is to provide safety and deter further attacks through their mere presence in the region. “If we can offer one night of peaceful sleep to a Palestinian family, that makes it all worthwhile,” she emphasized in an interview from Ramallah.
Following the attack, the assailants reportedly made off with personal belongings, including wallets and passports, before escaping. Local residents assisted the injured activists, transporting them to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite their injuries and the trauma of the attack, the group remains resolute in their desire to continue their work in the village. “We can’t wait to go back. We are not afraid,” the woman stated, noting that their commitment transcends their personal experiences.
Settler violence has drawn international condemnation, with humanitarian organizations noting a drastic uptick in such incidents. According to reports, Israeli forces have been involved in a sustained campaign in northern West Bank cities, contributing to a hostile environment for Palestinians. Human rights groups suggest that the Israeli government’s current policies embolden settlers, resulting in further encroachment on Palestinian lands and worsening conditions for local populations.
The ongoing clashes and confrontations reflect a grim reality in the West Bank, where Palestinian communities face the constant threat of violence amid a backdrop of political tension. With activists on the ground and international attention growing, the calls for accountability and protection of civilian life in the region are more urgent than ever.