Israeli settlers closed off on Monday evening the western entrance Bethlehem’s southeastern town of Tekou’ in the southern occupied West bank.
Tekou’ Mayor Taysir Abu Mufreh said a horde of 50 Israeli settlers escorted by Israeli forces flocked to the western entrance of Tekou’ town and prevented Palestinians from passing through the area.
As a result tension has flared up among civilians who have attempted to reach their homes.
According to Abu Mufrih settlers have recently intensified their arbitrary attacks against Palestinian locals the latest of which occurred on Friday when settlers targeted Palestinian vehicles with stones.
Nearly 700000 Israeli settlers have been residing in 427 settlement outposts built across the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem in violation of international law.
Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the occupied territories and is rarely prosecuted by the Israeli authorities.
Settlers’ violence includes property and mosque arsons stone-throwing uprooting of crops and olive trees and attacks on vulnerable homes among others.
