IDF on South Hebron Hills violence: Palestinians damaged settler-built fence, 5 Palestinians detained

The IDF issues a response to reports of clashes between settlers and Palestinians earlier today in the South Hebron Hills, in which several Palestinians were reportedly injured.

According to the military, “forces were dispatched to the area near the village of Azwadin following a report of a gathering of Palestinians around an Israeli civilian and damage to a fence he owns.”

The IDF asserts that “upon arriving at the scene, the forces acted to disperse the confrontation and detained five Palestinians. All those detained were later released.”

The Palestinians claim that the fence was built on privately owned land. Settlers established an illegal outpost nearby — one of over 100 that have been established in recent years, with rights groups accusing Israel of using them to dispossess Palestinians of their lands.

The army adds that “contrary to the claims, no injuries resulting from the confrontation are known to us.” Palestinian reports had said that at least eight people were hurt, with footage from the scene appearing to confirm those claims.