Bethlehem: Israeli colonists Monday evening attacked a Palestinian-owned herd of sheep in the Kisan wilderness, east of the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, according to a local official. Ahmad Nazzal reported that Israeli colonists intruded into the Kisan wilderness, known locally as Bariyat Kisan, and used a tractor motorcycle to assault a herd of sheep belonging to Ahmad Nassar Rashaydeh, who is a shepherd in the area. This attack resulted in injuries to several sheep.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the assailants threatened Rashaydeh with further violence should he continue to graze his cattle in the region. Such acts of violence by colonists against Palestinians and their property are common occurrences in the West Bank. These incidents are infrequently prosecuted by Israeli authorities, often leaving the victims without recourse.
The violence perpetrated by colonists includes damaging property, setting fire to mosques, throwing stones, uprooting crops and olive trees, and targeting vulnerable homes. There are over 700,000 Israeli colonists residing in colonies across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law.