Israeli settlers attack Palestinian ambulance near Ramallah

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Four Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian ambulance traveling toward Ramallah on Sunday, throwing stones at the vehicle and attempting to ignite a Molotov cocktail that failed to explode.

The incident occurred shortly after 6:22 p.m. local time as the ambulance was en route to the city. Witnesses described the assailants as a group of four men who approached the vehicle on the roadside. One of the individuals was seen carrying an improvised incendiary device, which did not detonate upon impact or contact with the ambulance.

No injuries were reported among the ambulance crew or any passengers on board at the time of the attack. Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to assess damage to the vehicle and ensure the safety of those inside. The ambulance sustained minor damage from the stone-throwing, though it remained operational.

Israeli military police were dispatched to the area to investigate the attack. Local Palestinian officials condemned the violence, describing it as a deliberate attempt to obstruct medical services in the region. The attack took place in a sector of the West Bank where tensions between settlers and Palestinian residents have remained high in recent months.

The motive behind the assault remains unclear. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, and authorities have not yet identified the individuals involved. Security forces are reviewing available footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the identities of the attackers.

This incident follows a series of similar attacks on Palestinian vehicles in the West Bank over the past year. Medical organizations operating in the region have repeatedly warned that such violence poses a significant risk to emergency response times and patient safety.

Palestinian health officials stated that the attack could disrupt critical medical transport in the area, particularly during peak hours. They called for increased protection for ambulances and medical personnel traveling through contested zones.

Israeli officials have not yet commented on the specific incident. However, previous attacks by settlers on Palestinian infrastructure have drawn criticism from both local and international observers.

As of Sunday evening, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced any arrests or charges related to the attack. The status of the ambulance and its crew has not been updated beyond initial reports confirming no injuries.

The incident raises questions about the security situation in the West Bank and the protection of emergency services in areas with frequent settler activity. Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.