In a shocking incident, Israeli settlers have rampaged through the village of Jit in the occupied West Bank, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old man and several injuries. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Mahmoud Abdel Qader Sadda was killed during the attack, which took place under the cover of darkness late Friday night. Eyewitnesses and videos from the scene show dozens of masked Israeli settlers invading the village, firing at residents, setting cars ablaze, and destroying homes and property. This violent incident is part of a growing wave of attacks targeting Palestinians in the area, occurring in the shadow of Israel’s ongoing war against the Gaza Strip.

Any doubts regarding the extent of the violence are supported by United Nations data, which indicates that nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers since the war began on October 7. The attack in Jit has faced widespread condemnation from both Palestinians and international leaders. The Palestinian Foreign Minister called the incident an act of “organized state terrorism” and demanded sanctions against Israel as well as prosecution of the involved settlers.

Hamas, the Palestinian faction that governs Gaza, extended condolences to the family of the deceased and described the attack as part of Israel’s “fascist extermination plans.” They urged Palestinians throughout the West Bank to rise in anger against the settlers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed serious concern over the unrest that occurred in Jit and the attacks carried out by settlers against residents. Concurrently, Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, condemned the violence and pointed out that it originates from “radical individuals.”

The U.S. National Security Council also reacted strongly, stating that violent settler attacks against Palestinian civilians are unacceptable and must be halted. U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, questioned the legality of settler attacks and appealed to Israeli authorities to take action.

Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, commented that the attack in Jit aimed to intimidate Palestinian civilians, calling on Israel to immediately cease these unacceptable actions. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy likewise expressed his strong condemnation of the attack, labeling it “despicable.”

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, explained that the attack in Jit is not an isolated incident but rather a consequence of Israel’s settlement policies. She noted reports of Israeli security forces observing the attacks as they unfolded, indicating state accountability.

Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, called for sanctions against Israel following this latest episode of violence and urged for action rather than mere words.

The Israeli human rights organization Peace Now referred to the attacks by Israeli settlers in Jit as “a pogrom,” characterizing it as “pure settler terrorism” supported by the state.

With the escalating violence and deteriorating situation for Palestinians in the West Bank, there is a pressing need for a robust response from both local and international authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and to prevent further escalation.