Israeli settlers seize Palestinian's under-construction home in West Bank

A Palestinian family's dream home, intended for a newly engaged son's married life, has been seized by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank before its completion. Mohammad Salameh, the owner, watched as at least six settlers occupied his two-storey house in the village of Jalud.

Salameh's appeals to the Israeli military and police for assistance were unsuccessful. He fears his home, located near Israeli settlements and outposts, is lost permanently. He expressed concern that if settlers succeed in taking one property, others in the area could face the same fate. Reuters was unable to reach the settlers for comment.

The Israeli military stated it was investigating the matter, while the police had not yet responded to requests for comment. The seizure occurs amid a backdrop of increasing settler violence and land appropriation under the Netanyahu government. Approximately 500,000 Israelis reside in the West Bank among nearly three million Palestinians.

Palestinians have long reported damage to property and attacks linked to settlement expansion. A UN inquiry noted a 130% surge in Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian villages and land since 2023. Residents of Jalud highlight this incident as a disturbing escalation, as the settlers have occupied a house still under construction and are now positioned close to another unfinished home.

Most of the international community and the United Nations consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. Israel, however, disputes this, viewing the West Bank as disputed territory with a historical Jewish presence. The village council head of Jalud noted that his village has already endured five major settler attacks, including arson and vandalism.

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Only God knows, if there is law and order then they will leave. If they succeed in taking one, then the rest will follow.