Israeli settlers block shepherds near Jerusalem

Israeli settlers on Saturday attacked Palestinian-owned land in Mekhmas, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, and targeted Bedouin shepherds near Khan al-Ahmar to the east, the Wafa news agency reported.

Local sources said the settlers released their cows into olive fields in the Wadi al-Baradiya area of Mekhmas before attempting to attack nearby homes. Young residents intervened, forcing the settlers to withdraw.

In a related incident, armed settlers targeted the Bedouin community near Khan al-Ahmar, east of occupied Jerusalem, while other settlers assaulted shepherds and prevented them from taking their flocks to grazing areas.