Gaza: Israeli colonists attacked areas near the villages of Jit, east of Qalqilia, and Tell, south of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, on Friday, attempting to damage and set fire to Palestinian property, according to local sources.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Jamal Yamin, head of the Jit village council, reported that hundreds of colonists from the Gilead colonial outpost launched an attack around 10:30 a.m. They attempted to destroy and set fire to Palestinian property as local residents tried to fend them off. Yamin noted the arrival of Israeli occupation soldiers who fired tear gas grenades at the residents, leading to several Palestinians suffering from suffocation.
Yamin highlighted a significant rise in colonist attacks in the area, noting daily incidents that involve stone-throwing at Palestinian homes, burning of agricultural lands, and land seizures. He explained that Jit village is encircled by Israeli colonies, including Kedumim to the west, Mitzpe Yishai and Ma'ale Shomron to the south, and Givat Gilad to the east, with the main road to the north remaining the only access route for residents.
During the first half of 2026, Israeli colonists conducted 3,488 attacks involving assaults on Palestinian villages and residents, arson, shootings, establishment of colonial outposts, land seizures, and attacks on roads and vehicles, as reported by the Wall and Colonization Resistance Commission.
Earlier on Friday, a deadly attack by Israeli occupation forces and colonists occurred in the town of Tell, resulting in the deaths of four Palestinians from the same family and injuries to four others, including three critically injured, during a confrontation with colonists. On Thursday, three Palestinians, including a child, were also killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.