• WAFA news agency reports several Palestinians injured
• At least six West Bank residents killed in settler-related attacks since early March

JERUSALEM: A spate of arson attacks by Israeli settlers against Palest­inians in the occupied West Bank continued despite the condemnation by a number of European countries against growing ‘terror’ by the illegal settlers.

“Last night, IDF and border police forces were dispatched to several Palestinian villages… following reports of Israeli civilians committing acts of arson against structures and property, as well as engaging in disturbances in the area,” the Israeli military said.

“The security forces condemn violence of any kind and will continue to act to maintain the security of residents and public order in the area.” The Palestinian news agency WAFA said several Palestinians were injured in the attacks.

The incidents came after the army said an Israeli civilian died Saturday “following a report received regarding a Palestinian vehicle that hit an Israeli vehicle”.

Israeli police said they were investigating whether the incident was “terror-related”, but there was no confirmation.

Deadly violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has surged since the start of the Middle East war.

Six Palestinians have been shot dead in settler attacks in the West Bank since March 1, according to a tally of data from the Ramallah-based health ministry.

Europe decries ‘settler terror’

Diplomats from 13 European countries and Canada on Saturday slammed growing “terror” by settlers against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

“We strongly condemn increasing settler terror and violence by the Israeli security forces inflicted upon Palestinian communities,” said a joint statement from the diplomatic missions of countries including France, Spain and Britain.

“We are especially appalled by the killings of Palestinians over these past weeks. This violence by settler militias, aimed at taking over land and creating a coercive environment, forcing Palest­inians to leave their homes, must end.” The statement called on the Israeli authorities to “prevent and prosecute the lethal violence, raids and attacks”.

Published in Dawn, March 23rd, 2026