Kathmandu— A surge in violence by Israeli settlers is targeting Palestinian-owned factories and agricultural land across the occupied West Bank, with recent incidents causing significant economic damage and raising fears of forced displacement. The escalating attacks, which include arson, vandalism, and theft, are reportedly part of a deliberate campaign to exhaust the Palestinian economy and push residents off their land. Reports indicate these events have been occurring since late July, impacting numerous facilities and livelihoods.

Systematic Attacks on Industrial Sites

The village of Ein Siniya, north of Ramallah, experienced a large fire on Monday morning that destroyed approximately 50 dunams (12.3 acres) of olive trees and damaged the al-Omari aluminium factory. Emad Khater, head of the Ein Siniya council, stated that settlers from nearby Atara hilltops were observed near the facility before the blaze began, and Israeli soldiers allegedly prevented residents from extinguishing it. He described the incident as part of a pattern of attacks including fires, theft, and physical assaults on citizens and workers.

Economic Impact and Losses

Abdul Samad Abdul Aziz, owner of the Ein Siniya facility, reported that settlers infiltrated his industrial site in late July, setting fire to heavy equipment and causing an estimated $700,000 in losses. Settlers have also established an outpost near the facility, displacing local shepherds and repeatedly attacking vehicles and offices with the apparent goal of forcing its closure. In as-Samu, south of Hebron, Khaled al-Zaarir said his industrial facility was attacked on August 21, following death threats, resulting in extensive damage to excavators, stone-cutting machines, and a security office – leaving over 90 percent of the heavy equipment irreparable and impacting the income of 55 people.

Widespread Settler Activity

According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC), settler attacks have been increasing dramatically. Amir Dawoud, an official at CRRC, documented 798 incidents in July alone, including property damage, land levelling, confiscations, thefts, and the destruction of over 5,000 trees. Recent examples include the erection of a tent near a concrete factory in Taybeh on March 25th and vandalism of equipment in Sinjil on August 16th. Dawoud warned that these actions are intended to control West Bank land and force Palestinians from their homes.

Deliberate Economic Sabotage

Economist Moayad Afanah stated that industrial facilities in Areas B and C of the occupied West Bank are being targeted “collectively and deliberately” by settlers, a trend also seen in recent attacks on the al-Junaidi dairy factories in Tulkarem. He explained that even the destruction of a single bulldozer can cost investors hundreds of thousands of shekels, depleting Palestinian resources and discouraging investment. Afanah warned that this sabotage is exacerbating an existing economic crisis, with unemployment already at 29 percent.

The attacks continue to raise concerns about the future of Palestinian industry and livelihoods in the occupied West Bank, with no immediate resolution or increased protection measures reported.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.