Settlers Attack Palestinians in Singil During Peaceful Protest to Reclaim Stolen Farmlands
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian residents and activists on Friday during a peaceful protest in the town of Singil, north of Ramallah, aimed at reaching farmlands seized by Israeli settlers nearly a month ago.
The protest called on villagers and landowners to access their own lands that settlers stole and blocked off with military protection. Participants included Palestinians from nearby towns and international solidarity groups.
QNN‘s correspondent reported that dozens of settlers stormed the area and began attacking protesters. Israeli soldiers arrived and fired live bullets to protect the settlers. Settlers also set fire to farmlands and hurled stones at Palestinian vehicles.
Earlier in the day, Palestinian activists had peacefully reached part of the land and removed temporary structures made of tin and wood, which settlers had installed illegally.
Mayor Mo’taz Twafsha said, “These lands belong to the people of Singil and Al-Mazra’a Al-Sharqiya. They are located in Area A according to the Oslo Accords, and we have legal ownership documents dating back to the Jordanian era.”
He said settlers built two outposts a month ago and blocked access to over 1,000 dunums of farmland. The area includes olive trees, almond groves, grain fields, vegetables, paved roads, and agricultural rooms.
One of the protest organizers told QNN: “Even in Area A and B, settlers are attacking us under the protection of the Israeli army. Farmers can’t reach their homes or lands. The world needs to see what’s happening; our homes and farms are being destroyed, and whenever we try to access them, settlers attack us and the army opens fire.”
Settlers also attacked the town of Beita, south of Nablus, where three Palestinians were injured. Sources confirmed that settlers closed roads and ignited fires in agricultural lands.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said settler violence continues to escalate in the West Bank. In the first half of 2025, Israeli settlers launched over 740 attacks on Palestinian communities, injuring 340 people and causing widespread damage.
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces and settlers have intensified violence across the West Bank, including the eastern part of Jerusalem. At least 989 Palestinians have been killed, nearly 7,000 wounded, and more than 17,500 arrested, according to Palestinian data.