Palestinian eyewitnesses said a group of Israeli settlers vandalized dozens of cars in the town of al-Bireh near Ramallah on Tuesday.
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A number of witnesses told an Associated Press photographer that settlers entered al-Bireh and damaged dozens of parked vehicles.
Cars and walls were reportedly spray-painted with Stars of David and Hebrew slogans including the phrase "Price Tag," a term used by extremists. There were no reports of injuries.
The IDF confirmed its forces had entered al-Bireh to investigate the incident. Video footage from Palestinian broadcaster Al-Quds TV showed scuffles breaking out between Palestinians and troops, who used tear gas to disperse residents and journalists.
The vandalism comes amid an uptick in settler violence. In October, four Palestinian olive harvesters were lightly injured after being attacked by some 30 settlers who hurled stones and sprayed pepper spray at the workers.
In September, dozens of Israeli settlers ambushed a Bedouin village in the southern West Bank, smashing cars and houses. The attack left several injured, including a Palestinian toddler who was hospitalized with head injuries.
Last month, Israeli authorities approved 3,000 new settler homes in the West Bank. Israel also agreed to build 1,300 housing units for Palestinians residing in areas of the West Bank fully governed by Israel.
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