Israeli settlers seize 8 Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens

The United Nations has condemned the seizure of eight Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, saying the settlers assaulted residents and forced dozens of people to flee. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Thursday that the settlers reportedly “used live ammunition” during the takeover on the previous day.

They also “physically assaulted Palestinian residents” and threw stones, “prompting the flight of families for their safety”, he said. Some of those displaced now “lack adequate shelter”, while the Israeli military has since declared the area a closed military zone, preventing humanitarian workers from reaching those affected.

The incident involved some 30 Israeli settlers, who came to take over the houses in Ein a-Duyuk a-Tahta on the outskirts of Jericho on Wednesday afternoon, according to Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now. The group said the settlers “assaulted and robbed two Israeli activists and shot a Palestinian man in the leg” during the seizure.