Armed Israeli settlers attack Palestinian farmers near Hebron

Armed Israeli settlers attacked and assaulted Palestinian farmers in the Wadi al-Shennar area east of Halhul, north of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported on Friday. The news agency said the settlers were protected by Israeli forces and detained several farmers as they attempted to reach their agricultural land. Wafa reported that the area has faced repeated settler attacks amid the threat of settlement expansion. Recent incidents have included the theft and destruction of crops, uprooting and breaking of fruit trees, as well as demolitions and the levelling of Palestinian-owned land, according to the agency.