West Bank: MSF staff injured in attack by Israeli settlers

On the evening of 15 October, Israeli settlers violently assaulted an MSF colleague with a hand-sized rock launched by a slingshot during a targeted attack by settlers on his village in the south of West Bank. Our colleague required immediate medical attention. This incident is not isolated. Over the past months communities across Hebron and other areas of the West Bank have been subjected to increased violence, indiscriminate intimidation, and insecurity.

According to our colleague's account, a group of approximately 20 settlers descended from the nearby hills to attack residents, and more settlers arrived later. The settlers were armed with batons, rifles, stun grenades and slingshots. Stun grenades and warning shots fired from rifles helped them advance further into the village and drive Palestinian residents back. ​

The violence experienced by our colleague, the barriers to reaching medical care, and the growing restrictions imposed on Palestinian communities are not coincidental. This is part of Israel’s strategy to undermine people's safety, curtail their freedom of movement, access to healthcare, and ability to live in dignity. ​

This incident took place in an area already subject to extensive closures and road restrictions due to Israeli military activity. Due to unpaved roads the ambulance could not reach the area. Eventually, our colleague was transported by a private vehicle to meet the ambulance before being transported to first a clinic, then the hospital in an effort to be treated. ​ ​

We condemn all attacks against civilians and call for the protection of Palestinian communities, patients and healthcare workers.