November 4, 2008

Hebron / PNN / Radio Dream – Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian citizens hit a sharp incline beginning with the olive harvest in early October. Areas where major settlements such as Kiryat Arba were built had in the past been the focal point of Israeli attacks, but recently the scope has expanded.

Today settlers hit elderly citizens, women and children in a village cemetery. The danger is immense for people in their fields and at homes.

Reports indicate that the settlers have begun to operate in mobs like the Stern Gang of the past.

The attacks often happen in front of the Israeli army with several people reporting that the soldiers seem to fear the settlers. One Palestinian man who was arrested upon being confronted by Israeli settlers said, "I am certain that the soldiers arrested me in order to save my life."

Another southern West Bank resident was arrested with several other people during a nonviolent Palestinian demonstration. He commented, "The settlers were on one side and they were carrying automatic weapons, and then there was the army, and then us. The soldiers looked at the settlers with their guns and us standing there with nothing and had a choice. They could have gone after the settlers, but who looked easier. We did. They arrested all of us."

The attacks by settlers are now being organized by gangs who break into homes, prevent farmers from reaching their lands, or who tear through a community beating citizens.

An eyewitness reports that the army watched settlers from Kiryat Arba break into a Palestinian car and beat several children. Throughout the week similar incidents have been reported including grave desecration, beating women and children, home break-ins, and attacks on schools and students.

Another eyewitness in Hebron says that settlers destroyed several trees while the army stood and watched. "There were journalists filming everything."

Settlers pose an intense type of danger as they are accountable to no one. A Hebron man said, "These gangs have only one objective, which is to occupy the largest area of Palestinian land. Israel exercises killings and violence and what the government is unable to do the settlers do. Farmers are being forced to leave due to the Wall and the violence."