Four international volunteers—three from Italy and one from Canada—were brutally attacked and robbed in the occupied West Bank, triggering sharp rebukes from their home governments. The assault occurred in the early hours of Sunday, November 30, in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near Jericho, where the volunteers were stationed to shield Palestinian residents from escalating settler violence.

This incident is not just an isolated crime; it is a stark symptom of the surging violence in the region, which directly threatens both Palestinian livelihoods and the safety of international observers. For Kenyans, it highlights the profound risks faced by those working in conflict zones and raises questions about the security of citizens abroad and the stability of a region with deep historical and religious ties for many.

According to a written account from the Canadian volunteer, about 10 masked individuals, two carrying army-issued rifles, stormed their residence at approximately 4:30 AM EAT. “They beat us for about 15 minutes. I was repeatedly kicked in the head, ribs, hips and thighs,” she recounted, adding that the attackers shouted insults and destroyed property before leaving with their passports, phones, and wallets.

All four volunteers were subsequently hospitalized in Jericho, with one Italian man requiring further care in Ramallah for more severe injuries.

A Pattern of Escalating Violence

The attack underscores a dramatic spike in settler-related violence. Activists report that attacks in Ein al-Duyuk have become an almost daily reality since a new settler outpost was established nearby two months ago. These illegal outposts are often populated by aggressive settlers who, according to locals, aim to intimidate Palestinian families into abandoning their land.

This trend is not confined to Jericho. The United Nations has documented a significant rise in such incidents across the West Bank.

• In October 2025, the UN recorded 264 settler attacks, the highest monthly figure since it began tracking incidents in 2006.
• So far in 2025, over 1,600 settler attacks have resulted in more than 1,000 Palestinian injuries, a figure that has more than doubled since 2024.
• Human rights groups note that these actions are part of a broader campaign to displace communities, with thousands of Palestinians forced from their homes.

“This is not about us. We were beaten for 15 minutes,” the Canadian volunteer emphasized. “Palestinians here endure this violence every day, every hour, a thousand-fold.”

International Outcry and Calls for Accountability

Both Canada and Italy swiftly condemned the assault. The Canadian foreign ministry stated it “strongly condemns the violent acts committed by extremist settlers,” reiterating that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was equally forceful, telling reporters, “We have had enough of this aggression. This is not the way [for the settlers] to assert their rights.”

Despite the attack, the volunteers remain resolute. The Canadian woman noted that their presence had a tangible impact, allowing villagers to feel safer and children to play freely. Manal Tamimi, a Palestinian activist who recruits international volunteers, stressed their importance, stating that the residents of Ein al-Duyuk “are very resilient and they refuse to leave the area. That's why it's very important to put international volunteers with them.”

As the injured volunteers recover, the incident leaves a lingering question over the West Bank: with violence on the rise and international citizens now being targeted, what future awaits the vulnerable Palestinian communities they came to protect?