West Bank tension: Palestinians start night patrols

2015-08-09 13

Amid increased tensions in the West Bank, Palestinians are running their own night patrols – taking protection into their own hands.

It comes in the wake of a deadly arson attack on a family home, blamed on Jewish settlers.

Palestinians say they are living in fear.

“We check if they’ve got weapons or something. Because a lot of Jewish come here and make some problems, burning some houses and everything,” said Mutasser, a patrol member in Turmusaya village.

The torched home in the village of Duma was destroyed. The inferno killed an 18-month-old boy, his father later died of his injuries.

The mother and another son remain in a critical condition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the attack as an act of terrorism.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the fire.

The UN is among others calling for those responsible to be brought swiftly to justice.