The owner of a torched scrapyard in the West Bank village of Huwara told of his frustration on Friday over the rising tide of Israeli settler violence.

Mohammad Dalal claimed that witnesses told him Israeli settlers were seen throwing rocks Thursday from an overpass at passing Palestinian vehicles below. He said the massive fire in the scrapyard began soon after.

He said the Israeli army arrived later to force the perpetrators away.

“If the army had not removed them, they would have done even more,” Dalal said.

"These settlers are causing destruction everywhere here. ... Where can we go? We want to remain steadfast on our land, no matter what.”

An Israeli investigation unit of soldiers and border police officers on Friday collected evidence at the scorched scrapyard, according to an Associated Press crew who was asked to leave by the investigators.

Asked about the incident, the Israeli military said it dispatched soldiers to the area after receiving reports that settlers were throwing rocks at Palestinian cars.

It also said other reports indicated that “several” Israeli civilians had set fires and damaged property in the area.

It said soldiers searched the area but didn't find any suspects and that the police were now handling the case.

Huwara has been the target of numerous attacks over recent years.

In February 2023, scores of Israeli settlers went on a violent rampage there, setting dozens of cars and homes on fire after two settlers were killed by a Palestinian gunman.

Palestinian medics said one man was killed and four others were badly wounded

Israel's prime minister met with top security officials to discuss Israeli settler violence in the West Bank, an Israeli official said Friday.

AP video shot by: Aref Tufaha