Jericho, Palestinian Territories — A Palestinian community in the village of Deir al-Dik al-Tahta has been violently attacked and displaced by Israeli settlers, raising concerns over rising tensions in the region. The incident occurred on February 11, when around 30 masked settlers descended on the area, causing significant destruction and instilling fear among residents.
According to local accounts, the assailants, armed and arriving in various vehicles, set about stealing livestock, with reports indicating they took between 120 and 150 sheep along with agricultural machinery, including a tractor. Witnesses described the settlers as aggressive, wielding weapons and threatening violence against community members, including children. Despite calls for assistance from both Palestinian and Israeli authorities, no help arrived, and the community members were left to fend for themselves amid the chaos.
During the assault, numerous families reported injuries, with at least ten individuals, including women and children, suffering physical harm. Damage also extended to property; nearly 19 buildings were destructed, including 15 homes that supported fifteen families. Following the attack, these families sought temporary refuge, too fearful to return home due to the ongoing threat.
The backdrop of this violence is a contentious environment in the Jordan Valley, an area rich in resources that has seen a marked increase in settler aggression over the past two years. With demolitions of both residential and agricultural structures becoming more frequent, many Palestinians are left grappling with uncertainty regarding their lands and livelihoods.
Additionally, newer policies around land registration have made it easier for illegal settlers to purchase Palestinian properties, further complicating the community’s situation. The Israeli occupation extends its influence by declaring vast territories as “state land” or “military zones,” effectively barring Palestinians from accessing their ancestral lands.
Local leaders and advocacy groups express alarm over an apparent lack of accountability for these acts of violence. The absence of justice leaves many families feeling vulnerable and targeted, leading to fears of ethnically motivated expulsions from their homes. As incidents like this become increasingly common, they highlight the ongoing struggles faced by communities living under occupation.
For this village and others in the West Bank, the enduring cycle of conflict continues, with settlers and military forces coordinating actions that leave daily life in turmoil. The sense of normalcy and safety has been deeply compromised, as families confront an uncertain future in the face of escalating aggression.