Israeli settlers target Palestinian villages in occupied West Bank

Reports say extremist Jewish settlers carried out attacks on several Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank after an 18-year-old settler was killed; Israeli forces say they were dispatched to the area and some arrests were made.

Reports say extremist Jewish settlers attacked multiple Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank after an 18-year-old settler, Yehuda Sherman, was killed. Israeli police said they are investigating whether his death was deliberate or accidental. The Israel Defense Forces said troops and border police were dispatched to several villages and that arrests were made. International bodies and rights groups have reported a recent rise in settler-related violence. Key reported facts: - An 18-year-old settler, Yehuda Sherman, was killed after reportedly being struck by a vehicle while on a quad bike; police said they are investigating the circumstances. - Local and media reports said more than 20 settler attacks were reported overnight, with clashes and property damage in villages including Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah. - The IDF said troops and border police units were sent to several villages, and Israeli police reported arrests near Deir al-Hatab and an officer injured during confrontations. - The Palestinian Red Crescent reported at least three Palestinians with head wounds were taken to hospital after confronting attackers. - United Nations figures cited an increase in settler violence, reporting six Palestinians killed by settlers since 1 March and seven since the start of the year, and rights groups criticized security preparations. Summary: The reported incidents followed the killing of a young settler and prompted security deployments and arrests, according to Israeli authorities. The events drew condemnation from Palestinian officials and criticism from rights groups and some foreign governments. Police investigations are ongoing and broader legal or security outcomes are undetermined at this time.