Security cameras in the Palestinian village of Deir Dobwan, east of Ramallah, reveal what occurred at night: three masked settlers infiltrated the southern neighborhoods of the village, vandalized the tires of cars and sprayed graffiti on walls and houses.
The next morning, Sunday, 3 March 2020, the outcome was discovered: 27 slashed tires and six graffiti messages. One called to “drive out the enemy”, while another gave “regards from Kumi Uri” ("Kumi Uri" is a settlement point).
Village residents who read these messages understand this is not a passing rude visit, but a promise that the settlers will keep coming back until they achieve their goal: driving the residents out.
The victims of the violent incursion had to replace their tires, at an estimated cost of 2,000 shekels (~550 USD) per car. They lost valuable workdays and had to find their children an alternative ride to school.
The villagers cannot promise their frightened children that the incident will not recur. Israeli and Palestinian DCO representatives did arrive at the scene, photograph the damage and collect material from security cameras.
Yet as the residents know all too well, from their own experience and that of other villages in the West Bank, no one will punish the perpetrators or prevent them from returning and carrying out their plans.
Deir Dobwan, 3 Feb. 2020 – tires slashed on 27 cars, hate graffiti sprayed.