Israeli forces reportedly assaulted and detained American-Israeli activist Dean Tulkoff after he tried to prevent illegal settlers from destroying a Palestinian water pipeline in the occupied West Bank.
According to eyewitnesses, Tulkoff was standing alongside a group of peace activists who were attempting to shield a vital water source used by Palestinian farmers when Israeli soldiers intervened. The situation quickly escalated, with soldiers allegedly using force to disperse the activists before detaining Tulkoff.
Local residents say the pipeline targeted by settlers was one of the few remaining sources of water for nearby Palestinian communities, which have long faced restrictions on access to natural resources. The destruction of water infrastructure has been a recurring issue in the region, often leaving families and farmers struggling to sustain their daily lives.
Human rights organizations have condemned the incident, calling it part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against activists—both local and international—who attempt to document or resist settlement expansion in the occupied territories.
Dean Tulkoff’s detention has drawn international attention, with advocates demanding his immediate release and an independent investigation into the alleged assault. They argue that peaceful activism should not be met with violence, and that the protection of essential resources like water should be a universal right, not a privilege determined by politics or power.
The incident once again highlights the growing tensions in the West Bank, where illegal settlements continue to expand, and where activists, both Palestinian and international, face increasing risks while standing up for basic human rights.
