Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinian Homes and Steal Sheep Near Hebron

Israeli settlers stormed Palestinian homes in the Wadi al-Rakhim area south of Yatta, near Hebron, on Saturday evening, stealing three sheep, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. Local activist Osama Makhamreh reported that the armed settlers were accompanied by Israeli forces, who fired live ammunition during the raid. No injuries were reported, but a child, Yaseen Mohammad Shnaran, was hospitalized after suffering severe shock and convulsions. In a separate incident, armed settlers, also reportedly under Israeli military protection, attempted to steal sheep in the Wadi Ajheish area near As-Samu', but local residents confronted them and forced them to leave. The incidents highlight ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians is common. Israeli authorities have not commented on the events. The occupied West Bank, including Hebron, has been under Israeli military control since 1967, and international law considers Israeli settlements illegal. However, Israel disputes this. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the attacks and called for international intervention to protect civilians.