Violence Erupts in Burqin as Settlers Respond to Terror Attack
Incident Overview
In the early hours of Friday, an estimated 40 settlers descended on the Palestinian village of Burqin, located near Jenin, resulting in extensive property damage and acts of arson in retaliation for the murder of Tzala Gaz. Gaz, a 33-year-old resident of the nearby settlement Bruchin, was killed last week by a Palestinian assailant as she was on her way to the delivery room with her husband.
Destruction in Burqin
The attackers set fire to several vehicles and private gardens, with reports indicating that at least five cars and two gardens were torched. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The settlers withdrew from Burqin after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) arrived at the scene. At this time, no suspects have been arrested in connection with the arson and vandalism.
Background on Tzala Gaz’s Assailant
The individual responsible for Gaz’s murder, identified as Na’al Samara, was confirmed by the IDF to have been neutralized the previous Saturday, alongside two accomplstarts, start of whom is said to have led a group responsible for additional attacks. Following extensive searches, IDF forces recovered weaponry and evidence linking Samara to the shooting.
Additional Arson Incident in Aqraba
Meanwhile, the Palestinian news agency “Awda” reported a separate incident in which Israeli settlers allegedly attempted to ignite a mosque and set a vehicle ablaze between the villages of Usarin and Aqraba, south of Nablus. Footage from the scene showed the western facade of the mosque in Aqraba severely damaged by fire, alongside additional vehicles ignited in the area. Graffiti was also found at the mosque with slogans including “Am Yisrael Chai” (The People of Israel Live), “Muhammad is Dead,” “Jewish Blood is Not Free,” and “Revenge for Tzala Gaz.”
In light of these incidents, local authorities have initiated an investigation; however, no arrests have been made to date.
Summary of Recent Violence
This incident adds to a series of confrontations between settlers and Palestinians. Earlier in April, around 50 settlers clashed with Palestinians in the village of Duma, resulting in the burning of property, including a house and a chicken coop. Reports from the Palestinian Red Crescent indicated that three individuals sustained injuries due to gunfire during this conflict.
Ongoing Tensions
The recent surge in violence reflects the rising tensions within the region, where settlers have increasingly engaged in retaliatory actions following attacks by Palestinians. In another incident, a group of celebratory settlers attacked a polstart unit responding to noise complaints during a wedding celebration, resulting in multiple injuries and 17 arrests.
In conclusion, the climate of hostility surrounding these events underscores the complex and volatile nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which continues to impact the lives of individuals on both sides