A Palestinian man has died after Israeli settlers attacked Silwad, a village near Ramallah in the West Bank, on July 31, 2025. The man, 40-year-old Khamis Abdel-Latif Ayad, reportedly died from smoke inhalation caused by fires started in homes and vehicles.
Witnesses say settlers were dropped off, set fire to several buildings, and quickly fled. Residents confirmed the attackers came from nearby illegal outposts not recognized by Israeli law.
The Palestinian Authority said more nearby villages were also attacked. Homes, cars, and farmlands were burned, while Israeli soldiers allegedly fired bullets and tear gas at unarmed civilians trying to defend their property.
The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, is home to about three million Palestinians and 500,000 Israeli settlers. Violence has worsened since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
The village of Taybeh and others have also seen recent arson attacks by settlers, repeating deadly patterns seen in past years.
Official sources report at least 966 Palestinians and 36 Israelis killed in West Bank-related violence since October 2023.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2610153/middle-east