In brief
Following a deadly clash near Tal last Friday, Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques, vandalised cars and damaged agricultural land in the occupied West Bank. Residents in Qusra and Kour witnessed their mosques engulfed in flames, while graffiti with the word "revenge" sprayed on walls. The incident has sparked a new wave of settler violence, prompting heightened IDF raids that arrested more than 130 people. Palestinian officials demand police investigations, while Israeli authorities promise “powerful action.” International criticism is mounting as the violence hinders prospects for peace.
Israeli settlers have set fire to two mosques, vandalised cars and scorched agricultural land overnight in the West Bank, Palestinian officials say. The attacks come just two days after a clash near the village of Tal that killed four Palestinians and two Israelis.
Mosques Ignited, Graffiti Sprayed
The mayor of Qusra reported that a mosque under construction was set ablaze and that settlers sprayed the word "revenge" on its walls. In Kour, settlers torch another mosque and spray slogans on its walls, according to Palestinian officials.
Property Damaged and Vehicles Vandalised
In the following days, two villages were attacked overnight. Cars were vandalised, property stolen and hateful graffiti sprayed on walls. Residents described waves of blackened water and ash washing over houses and were forced to evacuate after settlers threw stones.
Government Response and Raised Tensions
The Israeli military dispatched troops to Qusra and announced investigations will seek to gather evidence. The IDF conducted raids, arresting more than 130 people in a “counter‑terrorism” operation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed powerful action, even threatening the demolition of homes tied to the alleged Palestinian perpetrators.
Escalation in the West Bank
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, settler violence has surged. International bodies report 1,114 Palestinians killed in the West Bank with the majority attributed to IDF, while at least 35 deaths involve settler attacks. The continuous clash between settlement expansion and Palestinian communities risks undermining any durable peace plan.
