Full Breakdown
Attack on Foreign Activists by Israeli Settlers in West Bank
12/1/2025, 5:43:03 AM
Incident Overview
On November 30, 2023, four foreign activists—three Italians and one Canadian—were injured in an attack by Israeli settlers in the Ein ad-Duyuk village near Jericho, located in the central West Bank. The activists were staying in a house within a Bedouin community when approximately ten masked settlers stormed the residence, physically assaulted them, and stole personal belongings, including passports and mobile phones. The activists were subsequently hospitalized, with three sustaining moderate injuries and one suffering critical wounds.
Details of the Assault
Eyewitness accounts describe the attack as a coordinated effort by the settlers, who were armed with sticks and rifles. One activist recounted, “We were sleeping when at 5 o’clock we were attacked by a group of settlers armed with sticks and rifles.” The assailants reportedly warned the activists not to return after the assault. Medical personnel from the Jericho government hospital confirmed that the activists were treated for various injuries, including bruises and trauma to sensitive areas.
Context of Increased Violence
The attack on the activists is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the West Bank, particularly following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Reports indicate a significant rise in settler violence, with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) documenting 752 incidents of such violence in 2025 alone, compared to 675 in the previous year. The United Nations noted that October 2023 marked the worst month for settler violence since records began in 2006, with 264 reported attacks.
Official Responses
The Canadian government condemned the violence, with the foreign ministry stating it “strongly condemns” the actions of the settlers and reiterating its opposition to any annexation of Palestinian territory. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also expressed condemnation, highlighting a joint statement issued by Italy, France, Germany, and Great Britain that denounced settler actions in the West Bank.
Criticism of Israeli Policies
Critics argue that the Israeli government, particularly under its far-right coalition, has exacerbated the situation by advancing policies that facilitate settlement expansion and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. A bill currently under consideration in the Knesset aims to apply Israeli law directly to the West Bank, a move viewed by many as a de facto annexation of the territory.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the majority of sources agree on the details of the attack and the identities of the injured activists, there are discrepancies regarding the severity of injuries and the exact number of assailants involved. Some reports mention that the activists were treated for severe injuries, while others describe their conditions as moderate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were sleeping when at 5 o’clock we were attacked by a group of settlers armed with sticks and rifles: there were 10 of them, and they were masked,” — Italian Activist
- “the settlers reportedly entered their home, attacked the volunteers, and stole all their personal belongings.” — Italian Foreign Ministry Statement
- “They came day and night to harass, threaten, and attack the villagers,” — Italian Activist
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and raises concerns about the safety of international activists working in solidarity with Palestinian communities.
