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The governments of Italy and Canada have expressed alarm regarding the handling of their nationals who were beaten and robbed by Jewish settlers in the Palestinian territories under occupation.

Particulars Surrounding the Brutal Assault

A group comprising three Italians and one Canadian were attacked early on Sunday morning in the village of Ein al-Duyuk, near the city of Jericho. They had volunteered to help protect the Palestinian population from escalating violence by settlers.

“In the early morning of November 30th, 10 masked settlers, two carrying army-issued rifles, burst into the home where we were sleeping after night-watch,” said the Canadian national.

All four were hospitalised and one, an Italian man, was still receiving care in the city of Ramallah on Monday for more substantial injuries.

Escalating Violence in the Village

The frequency and severity of attacks in this area have risen dramatically over the past two months. This follows the establishment of a settler outpost in the vicinity and the influx of new, confrontational settlers.

Local observers report that violent incidents have become an almost daily occurrence. Attacks have included groups of settlers forcibly entering houses, assaulting residents, and stealing livestock and property.

International Law and Government Reactions

Although all Israeli communities on occupied territory are illegal under international law, irregular outposts are also against Israeli domestic statutes. Ein al-Duyuk is in Area A of the West Bank, a zone theoretically under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Canada's Department of Global Affairs stated it “strongly condemns the acts of violence committed by radical settlers and opposes any actions or talk about annexation of the Palestinian territories.”

Italy's top diplomat, Antonio Tajani, told reporters: “We cannot tolerate of this aggression. This is not the way for anyone to assert their rights.”

Lack of Intervention and Wider Situation

Residents and advocates report there has been no meaningful police intervention to stop the attacks or remove the illegal settlement. Senior figures of the Israeli governing coalition are vocal backers of West Bank settlers.

United Nations data indicates that settlers and Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, including 233 children, in the West Bank over the last 24 months.

Perspective from the Ground

The injured Canadian noted that, despite the attack, she felt the international presence in the village had been meaningful.

“The villagers stood taller while we were present,” she said. “The children played freely. People slept through the night. That alone made our presence worthwhile.”

A Palestinian activist working with groups that bring in international observers said the new outpost has brought in ideologically driven settlers who seem to belong to an organised group.