Settler attack burns two homes, halts family’s return in Jalud

Israeli settlers set fire to two homes belonging to the Tubasi family in Jalud, in the occupied West Bank, late on September 28, interrupting the family’s attempted return under an Israeli court order. The Israeli military said the attack also damaged vehicles and left three security officers lightly injured. The family did not complete its return, the military said. The family had been displaced from the homes in July after repeated settler attacks. Israel’s Supreme Court ordered the military this month to ensure a safe return, and troops escorted the family to the property late Monday. Witnesses said settlers arrived shortly after the family reached the homes, blocked roads and threw stones at security forces. The military said the crowd set Palestinian buildings and vehicles on fire. The family was taken to the roof as settlers entered the houses, witnesses said, and was later evacuated as the violence escalated. On Tuesday, blackened walls and residue from burned tyres were visible inside the homes. Wael Tubasi, who owns one of them, said doors, tiles, stairs, bathrooms and windows had been damaged. Israeli authorities gave differing arrest totals.