Violent and coordinated attack on Burqin

On May 22, at the first hours of the night, Israeli settlers are carrying out a pogrom in the village of Burqin, Salfit, in the West Bank. Around 40 Israeli settlers rioted in the village of Burqin, in the West Bank, Palestine, burning houses and cars, according to a report by Israel’s state-owned television station, Kan TV News, on Friday (May 23).

They setting Palestinian homes on fire in an apparent attempt to burn families alive and opening fire at houses.

• Residents are urgently pleading for help.

• 8 Palestinians, including children, have been injured

• Six homes and five cars have been set on fire in the ongoing assault.

• According to the report, the riots took place overnight, shortly after Israeli soldiers completed a mapping operation in preparation for the possible demolition of two homes belonging to Palestinian residents suspected of involvement in a shooting attack that killed a pregnant Israeli woman near the village on May 14.

• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the two individuals whose homes were mapped are Maher Samara and Jamil Samara, accusing them of assisting Nael Samara in carrying out the shooting attack.

Franceska Albanese appeal on X

ALARMING! Burqin, near Salfit, occupied West Bank- Desperate phone calls report violent attack by armed settlers, escorted by army- babies at great risk- Need for urgent intervention and protection from diplomats and NGOs in loco.

Chronological summary of the events in Bruqin (Burqin) village near Salfit, May 14–24, 2025

** May 14, 2025 – Evening**

• After a shooting attack kills an Israeli settler and injures her husband near Bruqin, the Israeli Forces (IDF) storm the village.

• They raid homes, assault residents, and turn some houses into military posts and interrogation centers.

May 15, 2025 – Morning

• IDF announces seizure of 2,336 dunums of land (2,323 in al-Balata; 13 in al-Fakhakhir and al-Shayyab).

• 20 bulldozers begin razing the land.

• In the evening, settlers set up a large tent and raise Israeli flags, declaring a new outpost.

May 16, 2025

• Additional settlers arrive, erecting two more tents on the razed land.

May 17, 2025 – Morning

• IDF announces the killing of Nael Samara, alleged perpetrator of the earlier shooting, after arresting him that day.

May 19, 2025

• IDF demolishes a 3-storey house after forcibly evacuating its residents.

• They take measurements of Nael Samara’s family home, suggesting a pending demolition.

May 21–22, 2025

On Wednesday (May 21), the IDF claimed that Nael Samara, who was shot dead by its forces on Saturday (May 17), was the gunman responsible for the shooting attack.

Ongoing IDF siege of Bruqin includes:

• Closure of village entrances.
• Restriction of movement.
• Closure of shops and main bakery.
• Continued settler violence including attacks, threats, and property seizures.

May 22 pogrom:

• Resident Rakiz Khatir is attacked by 30 settlers while driving.
• Vehicle is stoned, he sustains eye and head injuries.
• IDF allegedly watched but did not intervene.

May 23, 2025 – 22:00 Violent pogrom with several arsons

Coordinated settler attacks on the al-Buq’an area:

• Houses and vehicles set on fire.
• IDF fires tear gas and stun grenades at Palestinians trying to defend themselves.
• 8 people sustain burns, 2 injured by stones, 6+ vehicles and houses burned.
• Israeli soldiers obstructs firefighters and allows violence to continue.

Ongoing Situation (as of May 24, 2025)

Bruqin remains under siege while soldiers and settlers continue:

• Land confiscation and settlement expansion.
• Raids and collective punishment.
• Communication with villagers is limited due to restrictions.

Human rights groups (e.g. PCHR) condemn the actions and call for international accountability.