Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in West Bank as tensions rise again
Officials said two separate mosque attacks were reported in the occupied West Bank. The incidents have added to growing concerns over security as clashes and unrest continue in the region.
According to Abdel Azim Wadi, the mayor of Qusra near Nablus, settlers set fire to a mosque that was still under construction. The attack caused serious damage to the building before the fire was brought under control.
“The fire destroyed the mosque’s entrance and even damaged its stonework,” Wadi said. He also said the attackers spray-painted Hebrew graffiti on the walls, including the word “revenge”.
The Israeli military confirmed it received reports of a mosque being set on fire near Qusra. Soldiers were sent to the area, but the suspects had already left before security forces arrived.
“The soldiers searched for suspects who had fled prior to their arrival and identified signs of arson and graffiti at the scene,” the military said. It added that Israeli police would investigate the incident and collect evidence.
In another attack, Israeli settlers allegedly set fire to a mosque in the village of Kour near Tulkarem. The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs said racist slogans were also written on the mosque’s walls.
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The ministry stated that “groups of settlers burned a mosque in the village of Kour in Tulkarem governorate and wrote racist slogans on its walls”. Palestinian officials strongly condemned the attacks and called for accountability.
The latest incidents came after violence in the village of Tell on Friday. According to reports, clashes left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead.
Following the violence, the Israeli military carried out raids in Nablus and nearby towns. It announced the arrest of dozens of Palestinians during what it described as a “counter-terrorism” operation in the West Bank.
Residents in Nablus also faced growing difficulties after the raids. Long queues formed at petrol stations as fuel supplies became limited, according to reports from the area.
Violence has sharply increased across the West Bank since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023. Palestinian figures say at least 1,097 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops or settlers during this period.
Official Israeli figures show that at least 48 Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have been killed in attacks by Palestinians or during Israeli military operations. The conflict continues to leave both communities facing heavy losses.
The occupied West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians. More than 500,000 Israelis also live in settlements in the territory, which are considered illegal under international law.
The attacks on the mosques are likely to increase tensions at a time when the West Bank is already facing frequent violence. Without efforts to reduce conflict and protect civilians, the security situation could become even more unstable.
