Settler Violence in West Bank Claims Lives of Two Palestinian Brothers
Qaryut, West Bank – Two Palestinian brothers were shot and killed Monday by Israeli settlers in the village of Qaryut, south of Nablus in the northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Health Ministry. The incident marks a continuing escalation of violence in the region, raising concerns about the safety of Palestinians and the response of Israeli authorities.
The victims were identified as Muhammad Taha Muammar, 52, and Fahim Taha Muammar, 48. The Health Ministry stated Muhammad was shot in the head and Fahim in the pelvis. Three other individuals were also injured by gunfire during the attack, including a 15-year-old boy shot in the shoulder, reported the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.
Footage circulating on Palestinian media outlets appears to show settlers armed with rifles in Qaryut prior to the shooting. One video shows a group of approximately ten settlers on a hillside, with one individual aiming an assault rifle. Another depicts Palestinians rushing to aid a man bleeding from a head wound.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged “friction” between Palestinians and settlers near the settlement of Shilo, stating that the settlement’s security chief fired shots in the air during the confrontation. The IDF said it is investigating the incident.
The deaths of the Muammar brothers bring the number of Palestinians reportedly killed by settlers this year to three, according to WAFA, the Palestinian Authority’s official news agency. WAFA further reports that since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, 39 Palestinians have been killed amid a surge in settler violence.
Data released by the IDF and Shin Bet in January revealed a 27 percent increase in settler attacks in 2025 compared to the previous year. The number of serious incidents, including shootings, arson, and other violent crimes, also rose significantly, from 54 in 2023 to 83 in 2024 and 128 in 2025.
Critics have pointed to a lack of prosecution and conviction in cases of settler violence, accusing the current Israeli government of inaction. Just last week, the High Court of Justice issued a conditional order to two senior IDF officers, demanding an explanation for their perceived failure to protect Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley from settler harassment and violence.
The escalating violence extends beyond attacks on Palestinians. On Friday, two Israeli left-wing activists were hospitalized after being beaten by settlers in the village of Qusra, near Nablus. President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, acknowledging its damaging impact on Israel’s reputation.
Separately on Monday, WAFA reported that an 18-year-old Palestinian was hospitalized after being shot in the leg by IDF troops in the Askar refugee camp east of Nablus. The IDF has not yet commented on this incident. Israeli forces also arrested eight people in the Nablus area and an additional 36, including nine minors, in other parts of the West Bank.
Emanuel Fabian contributed to this report.
