Live ammunition and assaults reported as israeli settlers seize 8 palestinian homes near jericho, displacing dozens
Residents forced to flee
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the takeover happened on Wednesday. He told reporters settlers reportedly used live ammunition, physically assaulted Palestinian residents and threw stones, prompting families to leave for safety.
Some displaced residents now lack adequate shelter, according to Dujarric. The Israeli military has declared the area a closed military zone, preventing humanitarian workers from reaching those affected.
Claims over the homes
The settlers claim they legally bought the homes. Hanan Greenwood, a settler representative, told AFP that the right-wing organisation Nachala bought the eight homes with his help.
UN condemns the violence
Dujarric said the UN condemned the settlers’ violent activities. The takeover has left families displaced while the military closure restricts aid workers’ access. Peace Now says the Israeli presence in Hebron has led to ongoing friction and violence, severe limits on Palestinian movement and the displacement of thousands. The city’s Old City has 400 settlers living among 250,000 Palestinians.
Key points
- The UN says settlers seized eight Palestinian homes near Jericho and forced dozens of people to flee.
- Dujarric said settlers reportedly used live ammunition, assaulted residents and threw stones.
- Settlers say they bought the homes; Palestinian officials say the sale documents were forged.
- A military closure is preventing humanitarian workers from reaching some displaced residents.