Israeli Settler Allegedly Attacks Palestinian Woman in West Bank
A video reportedly shows an Israeli settler assaulting a Palestinian woman in the West Bank village of Turmus’ayya, leaving her hospitalized with brain injuries.
A video reportedly shows an Israeli settler assaulting a Palestinian woman in the West Bank village of Turmus’ayya, leaving her hospitalized with brain injuries.
The incident occurred as a group of settlers confronted Palestinian farmers, blocking access roads, setting vehicles on fire, and attacking individuals with sticks and stones. The woman, identified as 55-year-old Afaf Abu Alia, was struck on the head and remains hospitalized in Ramallah with brain bleeding, according to Turmus’ayya Mayor Lafi Shalbi.
An American journalist present during the attack, Jasper Nathaniel, stated that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops in the area did not intervene to protect the farmers and others present. Nathaniel recounted approaching the soldiers for assistance, expressing concerns for their safety, but reported that the troops did not take action to prevent the settlers' aggression.
The U.S. Department of State responded to inquiries about the incident, stating, "The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens. We are not aware of any U.S. citizens wounded in Turmus Ayya on October 19 at this time. We are monitoring the situation."
The IDF has not provided a comment regarding the incident.
This event is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the West Bank. A United Nations official recently warned of "skyrocketing" settler violence in the region. Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicates a significant increase in such incidents, with nearly 3,000 attacks by settlers on Palestinians recorded over the past two years. The number of attacks has risen sharply since 2016, with 852 recorded in 2022, 1,291 in 2023, and 1,449 in 2024. With more than 1,000 attacks in the first eight months of 2025, this year is on track to become the most violent yet.
The olive harvest season, a critical period for Palestinian farmers, has been particularly affected. Settler attacks often escalate during this time, with reports of settlers uprooting olive trees, attacking farmers, and destroying property. In the village of Bardala, settlers uprooted 150 olive trees, destroying the livelihood of several families. Similar incidents have been reported in other areas, including Beit Fajjar, where settlers attacked farmers, injuring several individuals and setting fire to vehicles.
The international community continues to monitor the situation, with calls for accountability and protection for Palestinian civilians amid the ongoing violence.
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