On the night of March 13, 2026, around 01:00, a group of 20–30 masked settlers invaded the Palestinian community of Khirbat Humsa al-Fawqa in the northern Jordan Valley. They attacked residents and human rights activists, stole hundreds of sheep and goats using vehicles and carts, and vandalized or removed security cameras. According to witnesses, the invasion lasted approximately one hour.

Six people were reported lightly wounded in the attack, including four Palestinian residents and two activists from the United States and Portugal.

Activists were dragged from their tents, beaten, handcuffed, and blindfolded. Witnesses also reported that all men in the community were handcuffed, while women and children were gathered in a separate tent. One activist claimed to have witnessed the sexual abuse of a Palestinian man during the assault.

Later reports detail that settlers attacked men, women, and children, using clubs, knives, and other weapons. Girls were beaten in front of their handcuffed parents. Residents and activists were handcuffed, blindfolded, and thrown on the ground. Sexual abuse of a Palestinian man occurred, witnessed by family members and at least one foreign activist. Children were threatened to be killed.

300 heads of livestock (sheep and goats) were stolen, owned by the citizen Abdul Aziz Abu Al-Kabash. The looting included jewelry, mobile phones, and other valuables. Residents claim the military delayed their attempts to pursue the settlers with the stolen livestock.

Night of March 13, 2026 (around 1:00 a.m.)

More than 20 masked settlers entered the community. They split into groups and simultaneously raided tents and structures. Residents, including men, women, children, and activists, were beaten, dragged, handcuffed, and blindfolded. Children were slapped or kicked, and women were assaulted and dragged by the hair. The settlers poured water and dirt on them and threatened to rape the women, to kill the children and to displace all of them.

A Palestinian man, Suhaib Abualkebash (29), was stripped (his pants were cut with a knife), beaten, and sexually assaulted : the settlers zip-tied his genitals and paraded him through his community while beating him under the eyes of his family and the foreign activists. Security cameras are destroyed early in the attack.

During the attack (approx. 1 hour), victims are gathered into a tent, many bound and lying on the ground. Looting occurs: about 400 sheep, as well as jewelry, phones of residents and activists, cash, and documents like passeports are taken. Some settlers reportedly mock and humiliate victims. Violence includes beatings of men and girls, including the children.

After the attackers leave (early morning, March 13)

Victims remain bound after the settlers depart. The Israeli military (IDF) arrived roughly one hour after the attack, and the police arrived about two and a half hours later, providing limited initial medical care. Ambulances and Red Crescent teams evacuated six lightly wounded (All the residents and activists were injured. Four Adult men and two foreign activists later report hospitalization for some injuries). An Arabic-speaking officer briefly collected testimonies from the residents, while the wounded were evacuated. Evidence at the scene, including footprints, vehicle tracks, a flashlight, and broken security cameras, was documented by activists and an Israeli officer.

March 14–18, 2026 (aftermath and investigation)

Victims and witnesses file complaints with Israeli police. Police open an investigation including sexual assault and racially motivated violence. Shin Bet involvement is reported. Evidence documented on site includes zip ties, broken cameras, and vehicle tracks.

Reports indicate limited accountability for settler violence in similar past cases. Human rights groups criticized the delay and the handling of the incident, arguing that the army and civil administration provide support or cover for settler violence. The Israeli authorities stated that investigations were ongoing and condemned the acts of violence, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining security and order in the area.

National and international media reports:

This case, its brutality, and the evidence of sexual assault shocked even the Israeli police, who are generally slow to defend Palestinian residents of local communities against their attackers.

Two articles in U.S. media outlets, CNN and The New York Times, were published, featuring interviews with Bedouin victims conducted by their reporters. In the Knesset, this case, along with the recent killing of seven Palestinians in several villages by settlers, led to speeches denouncing “Jewish terrorism” or calling Israeli citizen for carrying a greater “protective presence.”

Casulaties

Victims included four men from the community and two human rights activists from the United States and Portugal, were all evacuated for medical treatment. One elderly resident (74) received multiple blows to the head, hands, and stomach, and handcuff marks and bruises were documented on several victims. 4 citizens sustaining bruises: Ali Issa Abu Kabash, Suhaib Ibrahim Abu Kabash, Muhammad Ibrahim Abu Kabash, and Ibrahim Issa.

Previous events:

Late February – Early March 2026 in Khirbet Humsa, a settler brings cattle close to Palestinian tents, perceived by residents as intimidation. A drone is later seen flying over the community shortly before the attack.

Perpetrators:

The attackers are described as approaching from the direction of Beka’ot settlement.