Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Casualties reported at protest in Kafr Qaddum October 23

Event

At least five Palestinians were injured during protests against Israeli settlements in Kafr Qaddum (West Bank) on Friday, October 23, as Israeli security forces opened fire with rubber-coated bullets and deployed tear gas and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Local sources state that two of those injured required hospital treatment for injuries to the head and back.

Further protests are likely in Kafr Qaddum, which has become a flashpoint for protests over Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Clashes between protesters, settlers, and Israeli security forces are to be expected during the course of protests.

Context

Protests have been a regular occurrence in Kafr Qaddum since 2011 over the closure of the main entrance road to the village. The road was closed in 2003 by the Israeli military as it passes through the Israeli settlement of Kdumim. Despite the closure being declared illegal by Israeli courts in 2010, the road has remained closed due to security concerns. The closure turns a 15-minute journey to Nablus into a 40-minute one and hinders the ability of Palestinian farmers to tend to their fields as vehicles are prohibited.

Advice

Those in the West Bank are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate heightened security presence, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.