Palestinian officials report man killed in settler attack in the West Bank

Saturday 14 March 2026 - 20:30

Local Palestinian authorities reported that a man was killed following a shooting during an alleged attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, highlighting renewed tensions in the region.

According to Palestinian health officials, the victim, identified as 28-year-old Amir Moatasem Odeh, died after being shot in the village of Qusra, located south of the city of Nablus.

Local representatives said the shooting occurred during an incident involving settlers near the village. The Israeli military stated that it was reviewing the reports and examining the circumstances surrounding the event.

The mayor of Qusra explained that tensions have been increasing in recent months following the establishment of a small settler outpost close to the community. Such outposts are often considered illegal even under Israeli law and are sometimes set up without formal government authorization.

According to local officials, groups of settlers have periodically gathered in the area and clashes have occasionally occurred with residents of nearby Palestinian villages.

Saturday’s incident reportedly took place when settlers entered an area west of the village. Residents attempting to defend their homes were met with gunfire, local authorities said.

Violence in the West Bank has intensified since the large-scale attack carried out by Hamas against Israel in October 2023, which triggered a major conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Despite periods of ceasefire in Gaza, tensions have remained high across the Palestinian territories. Human rights organizations and international observers have repeatedly warned about rising violence involving settlers, Israeli forces and Palestinian residents.

More than half a million Israeli settlers currently live in communities scattered across the West Bank alongside approximately three million Palestinians. The United Nations considers Israeli settlements in the territory illegal under international law, a position that Israel disputes.

Analysts say the situation in the West Bank remains highly volatile, with frequent confrontations reflecting the broader political and territorial dispute between Israelis and Palestinians.