Escalation of Settler Violence in the Presence of the Army
- ACRI
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
On May 15, 2025, Tzala Gaz, a resident of the Brukhin settlement in the West Bank, was murdered while on route to the hospital to give birth. Her baby, who was born after the murder, died from his injuries 15 days later. Since the tragic attack, residents of the nearby Palestinian village of Bruqin have experienced an unprecedented wave of violence from settler groups. Settler attacks have included organized groups that attacked houses, set fire to dozens of vehicles, threw Molotov cocktails and smoke grenades into houses (whose inhabitants were in the home), stormed into residents' homes and overturned furniture and property, and broke windows and doors. At least 25 people, including children and elderly, required medical treatment, and residents describe terrifying situations in which families were forced to flee for fear of their homes being set on fire. Additionally, a new illegal outpost was established at the northern edge of the village, which now serves as a permanent base for violence and incitement.
Soldiers are often present during these violent incidents and do not act to stop them. Military vehicles are permanently stationed near the new outpost, and during nighttime raids by settlers the soldiers did not prevent violence against residents—and even allowed the rioters to enter the village. In cases when police were called, their arrival was noticeably delayed, and no arrests were made. Moreover, despite the fact that village residents documented much of what took place on video and in photos, the police did not collect witness testimonies and did not act to gather evidence. At the same time, the violence has been accompanied by incitement and praise for the rioters on social media, but enforcement authorities have not acted to curb the incitement or investigate it.
On June 3, 2025, we appealed to the Judea and Samaria District Police Commander, the head of the Civil Administration, the Military Advocate General, and the Commander of the Central Command demanding immediate action. In the appeal, Attorney Reut Shaer, director of the Department of Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, emphasized the serious violations of international and Israeli law that had taken place and the authorities' obligation to enforce the law and protect the local Palestinian population. The petition demanded the immediate evacuation of the outpost; that settlers be distanced from the village and surrounding area; investigations into the violence and the prosecution of its perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law; and the prosecution of soldiers who were present and did not act to stop the violence.
ACRI’s appeal, June 3, 2025 (Heb)
