Arab rioters assault Jewish shepherds, one injured in Gush Etzion

On Saturday, ten Arab rioters attacked two Jewish shepherds from the Kashuala Farm in Gush Etzion with clubs and rocks while they were tending their flocks in the grazing fields near the community of Gvaot.

The violent attack, which lasted for about three hours, left the shepherds' lives in danger. Security forces arrived after an hour, but by then, the rioters had caused significant harm. One 19-year-old shepherd sustained serious head injuries from rocks thrown at him and was evacuated to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem in moderate condition.

After security forces arrived, they chased the attackers, most of whom managed to flee, though two were apprehended.

This assault is part of a troubling pattern of repeated violence against the Kashuala Farm shepherds, who have endured harassment for the past 13 years while working in the area.

The farm issued a strong condemnation, calling for justice and urging the police and IDF to hold the perpetrators accountable. "Shepherds cannot live in constant fear for their lives while doing their job," the farm stated.

The Hashomer Yosh security organization expressed shock at the rising violence in Judea and Samaria, emphasizing the urgent need for increased security forces' presence in the area and stronger measures to protect the shepherds. "Repetitive attacks on shepherds must be stopped immediately," they declared, calling for tougher punishments for assailants and the elimination of terrorism against farmers.