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The governments of Italy and Canada have expressed alarm regarding the handling of their nationals who were assaulted and robbed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.

Details of the Brutal Assault

Three Italians and a Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near the city of Jericho. They were serving to help shield Palestinian residents from escalating violence by settlers.

“In the early morning of November 30th, a group of ten masked settlers, some armed with military-style rifles, forced their way into the residence where we were resting after a night shift,” said the Canadian national.

Each of the four required hospital treatment and one, an male Italian volunteer, was still receiving care in Ramallah on Monday for more substantial injuries.

Escalating Violence in Ein al-Duyuk

The pace and intensity of attacks in this area have risen dramatically over the past two months. This follows the establishment of a settler outpost nearby and the arrival of young and aggressive settlers.

Local observers report that aggressive acts have become an routine event. Attacks have included groups of settlers breaking into homes, beating villagers, and taking sheep, vehicles, and destroying solar panels.

International Law and Government Reactions

Although all Israeli communities on occupied territory are considered unlawful by the international community, irregular outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone meant to be administered of the Palestinian Authority.

Canada's Department of Global Affairs stated it “strongly condemns the acts of violence committed by extremist settlers and opposes any actions or talk about absorbing Palestinian land.”

The Italian foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, told reporters: “We have had enough of this aggression. This is not the way for the settlers to make their claims.”

Lack of Intervention and Wider Situation

Villagers and activists report there has been little effective action by security forces to stop the attacks or dismantle the outpost. Leading members of the current Israeli government are vocal backers of settlements in the territory.

According to UN figures that settlers and Israeli forces have taken the lives of over a thousand Palestinians, including hundreds of minors, in the West Bank over the past two years.

Perspective from the Ground

The Canadian volunteer added that, despite the attack, she felt the international presence in Ein al-Duyuk had been meaningful.

“The villagers stood taller while we were present,” she said. “Kids were able to play outside. Families could sleep soundly. Just that made our presence worthwhile.”

A Palestinian activist working with groups that bring in international observers said the recent encampment has brought in ideologically driven settlers who appear to be part of a coordinated network.