A wave of violence has swept through Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, with dozens of attacks reported following the death of an Israeli teenager, according to officials and witnesses. Get today's headlines by email The unrest began after 18-year-old Yehuda Sherman was killed on Saturday in an incident involving a vehicle while riding a quad bike. Israeli police said they were investigating whether the collision was deliberate or accidental. Escalation After Teenager’s DeathIn the hours that followed, messages circulated in settler groups calling for retaliation. Israeli media, citing defence officials, reported more than 20 attacks overnight targeting Palestinian villages. The villages of Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah were among those affected. Residents reported homes, vehicles and farmland set on fire, alongside widespread property damage. Widespread Damage and InjuriesFootage shared online appeared to show large groups of masked individuals entering villages, with fires burning and emergency services responding. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said at least three people suffered head injuries during confrontations and were taken to hospital. Rescue workers also reported significant destruction in residential areas, with multiple buildings damaged and vehicles burned. Graffiti calling for revenge was seen on some structures. Israeli police said five suspects were arrested near Deir al-Hatab. Authorities added that one officer was injured after clashes between security forces and Israeli civilians near the Itamar settlement. Rising Violence Amid Wider ConflictAccording to the United Nations, settler violence has intensified in recent weeks, with several Palestinians killed since early March. The escalation coincides with broader regional tensions following military action involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The Israel Defense Forces said troops were deployed to affected areas after receiving reports of arson and disturbances involving Israeli civilians. Israeli civil rights group Yesh Din described the incidents as “a night of pogroms”, criticising security forces for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings. Political Reactions and Ongoing TensionsThe Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the violence, accusing settlers of targeting civilians and vital infrastructure during a sensitive holiday period. Within Israel, political figures also voiced concern. Opposition leader Yair Golan criticised the government, accusing it of allowing lawlessness to spread during wartime conditions. Meanwhile, senior military officials have previously described such violence as unacceptable, even as tensions continue to rise across multiple fronts. Israel has established around 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, housing hundreds of thousands of Israelis. These settlements are widely considered illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes. Further unrest was reported on Sunday evening, with settlers blocking roads and additional incidents emerging, raising fears that the situation could continue to deteriorate. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026
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