A wave of violence has struck several Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank, where extremist Jewish settlers carried out coordinated attacks, setting fire to homes, vehicles and farmland.
The incidents followed the death of an 18-year-old Israeli settler, Yehuda Sherman, who was killed on Saturday after being struck by a vehicle while riding a quad bike. Authorities are still investigating whether the incident was intentional or accidental.
In the hours after his death, messages circulated in settler WhatsApp groups calling for retaliation. According to Israeli media reports citing security sources, more than 20 separate attacks were recorded overnight.
Israeli forces confirmed that troops and border police units were deployed to multiple locations after receiving reports of arson and unrest involving Israeli civilians. Among the affected communities were Jalud, Qaryut, al-Funduqmiya and Silat al-Dhah.
Images and videos shared online, though not independently verified, showed fires, damaged buildings and emergency responders at the scene. Some footage appeared to show groups of masked individuals entering villages, while graffiti calling for revenge was reportedly left on walls.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least three Palestinians sustained head injuries during confrontations and were taken to hospital. Local authorities also reported damage to infrastructure and property.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, describing them as acts of violence against civilians and property, and noting that they occurred during the Eid al-Fitr period.
Israeli police said five individuals were arrested near Deir al-Hatab. They also reported that a police officer was injured during clashes with civilians near the Itamar settlement. Authorities stated they would act firmly against violent individuals.
An Israeli human rights organization, Yesh Din, criticized the response of security forces, alleging that the attacks were not prevented despite prior warnings.
Tensions in the West Bank have intensified in recent weeks, with the United Nations reporting a rise in settler-related violence since early March. Several Palestinians have been killed in incidents involving settlers and Israeli forces since the beginning of the year.
Political reactions within Israel have also emerged. Opposition figure Yair Golan accused the government of failing to maintain order, warning that unchecked violence risks further destabilizing the situation.
The broader context remains deeply complex. Israel has established numerous settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, areas Palestinians claim for a future state. These settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law.
The latest developments highlight growing instability in the region, as cycles of violence continue to fuel tensions between communities.
About the author
France counters Russia influence push in Togo
La France ne compte pas céder du terrain en Afrique face à la Russie sans réagir. En visite officielle à Lomé les 23 et 24 avril, une première depuis une décennie, le ministre des Affaires étrangères Jean-Noël Barrot a tenu à rappeler la position de Paris. Il a affirmé qu’il n’existait « aucune comparaison » entre l’appui apporté par la France et l’Union européenne au développement africain et celui de la Russie. Cette déclaration intervient dans un contexte diplomatique complexe. Le Togo, considéré comme l’un des partenaires encore proches de Paris en Afrique de l’Ouest, diversifie progressivement ses alliances. Le président Faure Gnassingbé a récemment reçu le ministre russe de la Défense Andreï Belousov lors d’une visite discrète, et a été invité au prochain sommet Russie-Afrique prévu en octobre. Dans le même temps, la France prépare le sommet « Africa […]
Togo unveils new diaspora engagement strategy
Treize ans après l’adoption de sa première version, le Togo s’est doté d’une stratégie nationale entièrement renouvelée pour mobiliser et engager sa diaspora. Ce nouveau cadre a été élaboré avec l’appui technique et financier de l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations et de la Banque africaine de développement. Il s’inscrit dans le projet SDE4R, qui vise à structurer l’implication des Togolais de l’extérieur afin de stimuler l’investissement privé, l’entrepreneuriat et la résilience économique. L’objectif principal est de renforcer la contribution de la diaspora au développement socio-économique du pays. Pour y parvenir, les autorités togolaises ont tiré des enseignements d’expériences réussies sur le continent, notamment celles du Maroc, du Sénégal et du Mali, considérés comme des références en matière de politiques d’engagement de la diaspora. Selon Edem Komi Amoudokpo, directeur des Togolais de l’extérieur, cette stratégie vise à mieux organiser et coordonner […]
Gunfire reported in several Mali cities
Des détonations ont été entendues samedi matin dans plusieurs localités du Mali, suscitant une vive inquiétude dans un contexte sécuritaire déjà fragile. Des tirs ont notamment été signalés à Kati, aux portes de Bamako, ainsi qu’à Gao et à Sévaré. Aucune revendication n’avait été formulée au moment des faits, laissant planer des incertitudes sur l’origine et la nature exacte de ces incidents. Ces événements interviennent dans un climat politique et sécuritaire particulièrement tendu. Le pays est dirigé par une junte militaire depuis les coups d’État de 2020 et 2021, avec à sa tête le général Assimi Goïta. Initialement engagées à organiser un retour à un pouvoir civil, les autorités de transition n’ont pas respecté le calendrier annoncé. En juillet 2025, le régime a consolidé son emprise en accordant à Assimi Goïta un mandat présidentiel de cinq ans, renouvelable sans limitation, […]
Togo recruits 1204 new public finance agents
Au Togo, 1204 nouveaux agents vont intégrer la fonction publique au sein du ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. Ils ont été déclarés admis à l’issue du concours organisé le 21 décembre 2024, dont les résultats ont été publiés le 23 avril 2026 par le ministère de la Fonction publique. Les candidats retenus présentent des profils variés couvrant plusieurs domaines techniques. Parmi eux figurent des administrateurs des finances, des analystes financiers, des auditeurs-contrôleurs de gestion, des fiscalistes, des ingénieurs statisticiens économistes, ainsi que des économistes planificateurs. Le recrutement inclut également des économétriciens, des inspecteurs du Trésor, des macroéconomistes, des spécialistes en finance bancaire, des experts en passation de marchés publics et des administrateurs civils. Cette opération vise à renforcer les capacités de l’administration publique en améliorant à la fois les effectifs et la qualité des compétences. Elle s’inscrit dans une […]
PIA boosts regional logistics ties with Congo
Au Togo, la Plateforme industrielle d’Adétikopé (PIA) poursuit sa dynamique d’ouverture régionale. Le site a récemment accueilli une délégation du Port autonome de Pointe-Noire, en provenance de la République du Congo, dans le cadre d’une mission de travail dédiée aux synergies logistiques et industrielles. Conduite par Fortuné Mbouma-Peya, conseiller du directeur général du port congolais, la délégation a échangé avec les responsables de la PIA sur les opportunités de coopération entre plateformes portuaires et zones industrielles. Les discussions ont notamment porté sur le partage d’expertises, l’optimisation des chaînes d’approvisionnement et le développement d’infrastructures logistiques intégrées. L’objectif est de renforcer l’efficacité des corridors régionaux et d’améliorer la compétitivité des infrastructures africaines face aux standards internationaux. Cette démarche s’inscrit dans une volonté plus large de soutenir la transformation locale des économies et de favoriser la création de valeur ajoutée sur le continent. […]
Togo opens new agricultural mechanization hub
Le Togo a franchi une nouvelle étape dans la modernisation de son agriculture avec la mise en service du Centre régional de mécanisation agricole (CRMA) de Tové, dans la région des Plateaux. L’inauguration, tenue le 23 avril 2026 dans le cadre des célébrations de l’indépendance, a été présidée par le président de l’Assemblée nationale, Komi Sélom Klassou. Conçu pour couvrir la zone Plateaux-Ouest, ce centre ambitionne d’améliorer les performances du secteur agricole en facilitant l’accès à des services essentiels. Il propose notamment des solutions de mécanisation, la mise à disposition d’intrants, ainsi que des analyses de sols grâce à un laboratoire mobile. Des services logistiques, des formations et un accompagnement technique sont également offerts aux producteurs. À terme, plus de 600 000 agriculteurs devraient bénéficier de cette infrastructure, pensée pour répondre aux défis d’un secteur en pleine transformation. L’objectif est […]
Related
Israel, Lebanon extend ceasefire as Iran peace talks stall
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their fragile ceasefire by three weeks even as U.S. efforts to secure a broader peace deal with Iran remain stuck. President Donald Trump announced the extension in Washington on Thursday after meeting the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors, saying he believed “there’s a very good chance of having peace” and calling it “an easy one” to achieve, despite recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon and renewed rocket fire from Iran backed Hezbollah. The initial truce between Israel and Lebanon had been due to expire on Sunday. At the same time, Trump signalled he is in no hurry to end the wider war with Iran, warning that “the clock is ticking” for Tehran as a third U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush, arrived in the Middle East to join two other carriers already operating […]
US boards tanker in Iran oil blockade push
The US Department of Defense has confirmed that American forces boarded a tanker suspected of carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, marking the latest escalation in Washington’s naval campaign against Tehran. According to officials, the operation targeted the vessel M/T Majestic X and was conducted as part of a “maritime interdiction” — a naval procedure used to inspect or seize ships believed to be violating international sanctions or supporting hostile activities. This move follows a broader maritime blockade imposed by the United States on 13 April, aimed at restricting traffic to and from Iranian ports. Since then, United States Central Command says dozens of vessels have been ordered to turn back, as enforcement efforts intensify across key shipping routes. Tensions have risen further after Donald Trump instructed the US Navy to take direct action against any boats suspected of […]
Russia faces backlash over internet curbs
Near the Kremlin, dozens of people recently gathered outside the presidential administration building to submit petitions urging authorities to ease restrictions on internet access. While such actions are legal in Russia, they carry risks in a climate of increasing control over digital space. In recent weeks, Russian authorities have tightened oversight of the internet. Access to global messaging platforms has been restricted, and mobile internet disruptions—including temporary shutdowns—have been reported in several regions. Officials say these measures are necessary for security purposes, particularly to prevent potential attacks. The atmosphere around these petitions is tense. Participants acknowledge the risks involved, with reports of security personnel monitoring and filming those taking part. Despite this, many say they feel compelled to speak out. For citizens and businesses alike, the impact is tangible. Entrepreneurs note that restrictions on platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp […]
US soldier charged over Maduro insider betting
A US special forces soldier has been arrested after allegedly using classified military information to profit from bets placed before the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro became public. According to the US Department of Justice, the soldier, identified as Gannon Ken Van Dyke, is accused of placing a series of trades on a prediction platform while directly involved in planning the operation that led to Maduro’s arrest in January. Prosecutors say he used sensitive, nonpublic information to anticipate the outcome and timing of the mission. Investigators allege that Van Dyke created an account in late December 2025 and placed multiple transactions linked to political developments in Venezuela. In total, he reportedly invested more than $33,000 and generated profits exceeding $400,000 once the operation was carried out. The military operation, carried out overnight on 3 January, resulted in Maduro and […]
Everest route blocked by massive glacier
A massive block of glacier is currently obstructing the main climbing route on Mount Everest, raising concerns as the peak climbing season begins in Nepal. Positioned just below Camp 1, the ice formation—known as a serac—stands about 30 meters high and has proven impossible to bypass safely. Teams of “icefall doctors,” responsible for securing ropes and ladders along the route, say there is no viable alternative path for now. Their only option is to wait for the ice to naturally weaken and collapse, which they hope will happen within days. This unexpected obstacle has delayed preparations significantly. By this time of year, routes are typically secured up to Camp 3, but work has stalled roughly 600 meters below Camp 1. The delay could compress the already short climbing window, increasing the risk of overcrowding as climbers attempt to summit within […]
Trump sees UK royal visit boosting ties
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that the upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla could help strengthen ties between the United States and the United Kingdom. Speaking in a phone interview, Trump described the British monarch as “a fantastic man” and said the visit would have a positive impact on bilateral relations. The four-day trip, scheduled to begin next week, will include meetings at the White House and an address by the King to Congress. The visit comes at a time of visible tensions between Washington and London, particularly over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump also commented on his relationship with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, suggesting the British leader could improve his standing if he adjusted his policies on immigration and energy. Starmer, however, has maintained that his decisions are guided by national […]