Two Palestinians Shot in Settler Attack on West Bank Village of Hajjah

HAJJAH, West Bank — Two Palestinians were shot by armed Jewish settlers during an attack on the village of Hajjah near Qalqilya late Saturday evening. The incident occurred shortly after 8:50 p.m. local time as tensions in the northern West Bank remained high.

The assault took place within the residential area of Hajjah, a small community located just south of the city of Qalqilya. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as armed individuals entered the village, opening fire on residents before retreating. Local medical teams responded immediately to the site, providing emergency care to the two victims who were struck by gunfire. Both individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Initial assessments indicate that both are in critical condition, though their identities have not yet been released publicly.

Israeli security forces arrived at the scene shortly after the attack was reported. Soldiers and police units secured the area to prevent further violence and began an investigation into the perpetrators. Authorities stated that they were searching for the suspects involved in the shooting. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with no group immediately claiming responsibility. No official statement has been issued regarding whether the attackers are affiliated with specific settler organizations or if the incident was a spontaneous act of violence.

The village of Hajjah has experienced sporadic clashes in recent months, often involving stone-throwing and property damage, but direct gunfire from settlers targeting civilians is less common. Local Palestinian leaders condemned the attack as a deliberate assault on their community, calling for immediate international intervention to protect residents. Israeli officials emphasized that such violence violates the law and promised a thorough investigation.

Tensions in the West Bank have escalated following months of unrest, with frequent reports of settler incursions and retaliatory actions by Palestinian groups. The incident in Hajjah marks another significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between settlers and local Palestinians in the region. Families in the village gathered near the site of the shooting as night fell, mourning the victims and expressing fear over their safety.

As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting. Security forces continued to patrol the area, maintaining a heavy presence around Hajjah and neighboring settlements. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the shooters and determine the circumstances leading to the attack. Questions remain regarding the number of assailants involved and whether additional injuries were sustained by other villagers who may not have sought immediate medical attention.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the security situation in the northern West Bank, where communities continue to face threats from both sides. International observers are monitoring the situation closely, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further bloodshed. As the investigation proceeds, the residents of Hajjah await answers about what happened and who is responsible for the violence that rocked their village.