Graphic video footage has surfaced, depicting masked Israeli settlers violently assaulting a deaf elderly Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank. This troubling incident occurred in the village of Deir Sharaf, where armed settlers attacked a plant nursery on Thursday, according to security footage released by the Associated Press.
Details of the Assault
The victim, 67-year-old Basim Saleh Yassin, was unable to hear warnings issued by workers at the nursery as the masked men approached. Eyewitnesses, who are relatives of the nursery’s owners, reported that workers fled upon noticing the settlers advancing. Unfortunately, Mr. Yassin struggled to escape and ultimately fell to the ground, making him vulnerable to the attackers.
Brutal Attack
The video reveals shocking scenes of violence. As Mr. Yassin attempted to flee, one assailant kicked him while he knelt on the ground. Others joined in, beating him with sticks and kicking him as he lay on all fours. Disturbingly, the attackers continued to strike him even as they left the scene, with one individual kicking him in the head. Witnesses confirmed that Mr. Yassin sustained multiple injuries, including broken bones in his hand and trauma to his face, chest, and back.
Property Damage
In addition to the brutal assault, the incident resulted in significant property damage at the nursery. Eyewitness accounts indicated that four vehicles were set ablaze during the attack.
Rising Violence in the West Bank
This incident reflects the escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Following the Palestinian olive harvest season in October and early November, such attacks have reportedly increased in frequency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled the attackers as “a handful of extremists” and has urged law enforcement to address the violence.
Condemnation and Response
However, human rights organizations, along with Palestinian communities, emphasize that the issue extends beyond a few individuals; they assert that such assaults are becoming common occurrences in the region. In response to this latest attack, the Israeli army deployed soldiers to the Shavei Shomron junction, located near the incident site. They reported that masked individuals vandalized property, set fire to Palestinian vehicles, and assaulted a Palestinian in one of them. Two individuals were evacuated for medical treatment following the violence.
The military announced that officers apprehended three suspects, who were subsequently taken to a police station for further investigation. They reiterated that “security forces condemn violence of any kind,” emphasizing the need for accountability in the face of escalating tensions.
