BETHLEHEM, Israeli settlers this evening attacked with gunfire Palestinian residents’ homes in the village of Kisan, east of the southern occupied West Bank district of Bethlehem, according to a local official.

Member of Kisan village council, Nabil Abiyat, said a group of settlers stormed the village of Kisan amid the firing of live bullets and under the protection of Israeli military forces.

Israeli forces reportedly joined in on the attack, firing tear gas canisters and stun grenades toward Palestinian residents and their homes, causing dozens to suffocate, including an entire family. A resident was transferred to the hospital after being attacked by settlers with stones.

Israeli forces completely closed down the town as settlers resumed their attack and attempts to reach residents’ houses.

“Settler violence has long since become part of Palestinians’ daily life under occupation. Israeli security forces enable these actions, which result in Palestinians casualties – injuries and fatalities – as well as damage to land and property. In some cases, they even serve as an armed escort, or even join in the attacks,” said the Israeli information center for human rights in occupied territories, B’Tselem.

“Investigations, if even opened, are usually closed with no action taken against perpetrators as part of an undeclared policy of leniency. The long-term effect of this violence is the dispossession of Palestinians from increasing parts of the West Bank, making it easier for Israel to take over land and resources,” said B’Tselem.

Source: Palestine News & Info Agency