Israeli settlers force Palestinians to abandon village in occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers force Palestinians to abandon village in occupied West Bank Residents of the occupied West Bank village of Yanoun say repeated attacks and harassment by Israeli settlers have forced Palestinians to abandon the area, Al Jazeera reported.  The report said that the village, which housed more than 200 residents, is now largely deserted, with Palestinians saying settlers have taken control of more than 16 square kilometres of surrounding land. Palestinian farmer Rashid Murrar said settlers established outposts near the village, blocked roads and prevented supplies from entering. “I would plant my fields, only to watch settlers let their livestock graze on and destroy my crops,” he said. Palestinians said settlers have since erected gates blocking residents from returning and regularly attack anyone entering the area.