By Sameh A. Habeeb.
The settlers are currently occupying the home of the Rajabi family, who are pursuing the matter in the Israeli High Court and disputing the settlers’ claim that the home was sold to the group in 2007.
Hebron – Ma’an - Five Palestinian citizens were left cut and bruised after falling victim to an attack by Israeli settlers north east of the old city of Hebron.
The settlers are currently occupying the home of the Rajabi family, who are pursuing the matter in the Israeli High Court and disputing the settlers’ claim that the home was sold to the group in 2007.
A researcher for the Israeli Human Rights group B’tselem was also injured as he attempted to contact Israeli police in the area and ask them to prevent the settlers from assaulting locals. While in the area the researchers was also hit with a rock, and the soldiers he spoke with took no action against the violence.
Settlers claim the building, “Beit Hashalom,” was purchased from a Palestinian family for 700,000 US dollars in 2007, and have been using the facility as a residential, religious and educational site ever since.
Last week the building was ordered evacuated while the High Court in Israel determined who in fact owns the structure. Palestinians brought the case in front of the court earlier this year.
The High Court decision has sparked several waves of violence in the area
