HEBRON, Israeli forces today opened fire towards Palestinians fending off a settler attack, east of Yatta in the southern West Bank, injuring eight, according to a local activist.

Coordinator of the Protection and Steadfastness Committee in Masafer Yatta, Fuad al-Amour, said that scores of settlers forced their way into Twaneh village, east of Yatta, and attacked the villagers’ houses.

Israeli soldiers, who provided protection to the assailants, opened fire at the villagers who attempted to defend their property, injuring one with a live round, seven others with rubber-coated steel bullets and causing dozens to suffocate from tear gas.

The casualties were rushed to Yatta Government Hospital for treatment.

Settler violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

There are over 700,000 Israeli settlers living in colonial settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency