Israeli settlers violently assaulted a Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) colleague on October 15 with a fist-sized rock launched by a slingshot during a targeted attack by settlers on his village in the southern West Bank, Palestine. Our colleague required immediate medical attention.
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, communities across Hebron and other areas of the West Bank have been subjected to increased violence, indiscriminate intimidation, and relentless insecurity.
Settlers descended on a village armed with grenades and rifles
According to our colleague's account, the attack took place as a group of approximately 20 settlers descended from the nearby hills to attack residents, and more settlers arrived later. The settlers were armed with batons, rifles, stun grenades, and slingshots. Stun grenades and warning shots fired from rifles helped them advance further into the village and drive Palestinian residents back.
Settler violence in the West Bank
Read moreThe violence experienced by our colleague, the barriers to reaching medical care, and the growing restrictions imposed on Palestinian communities are not coincidental. They are part of Israel’s strategy to undermine people's safety, curtail their freedom of movement and access to health care, and strip away their dignity.
Israeli road closures prevent injured Palestinians from reaching care
This incident took place in an area already subject to extensive closures and road restrictions due to Israeli military activity. Due to unpaved roads, the ambulance could not reach the area. Eventually, our colleague was transported by a private vehicle to an ambulance before being taken to a clinic, then to a hospital for treatment.
We condemn all attacks against civilians and call for the protection of Palestinian communities, patients, and health care workers.
