Tensions escalate as Israeli settlers set fire to mosque in the occupied West Bank, marking another grim episode of violence in the region. The attack, which targeted the Bar al-Walidain mosque in the village of Marda near Salfit, also included hateful slogans like “Revenge” and “Death to Arabs” spray-painted in Hebrew on the mosque’s facade.
Details of the Incident
On Friday morning, settlers reportedly set fire to the mosque’s entrance. According to Abdallah Kamil, governor of Salfit, the attack occured “under the protection of the Israeli army.” Nasfat al-Khufash, head of the Marda village council, described it as a “systematic terror attack.” Residents managed to extinguish the flames before the fire could engulf the entire structure.
Eyewitnesses confirmed the incident, with one stating that the damage included burned portions at the entrance and hateful graffiti defacing the walls. Such acts are part of a disturbing trend of settler violence, especially in the occupied West Bank.
Rising Tensions and Widespread Condemnation
Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a “blatant act of racism” fueled by incitement campaigns from Israel’s extremist right-wing government. Governor Kamil echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the increasing incidents of vandalism in the area.
Settler violence has surged since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. As of October 2024, there have been over 1,400 documented settler attacks in the West Bank. Palestinian officials report that at least 803 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the conflict began.
The Israeli police and Shin Bet security services released a joint statement condemning the mosque attack. “We see this incident as extremely serious and will act resolutely to bring the perpetrators to justice for rigorous trial,” the statement read.
Read: Israel Committing Genocide for Denying Water in Gaza, Says Human Rights Watch
Broader Implications
The international community continues to view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law and a violation of United Nations resolutions. Despite this, settlement expansion and acts of violence against Palestinians persist, further deepening the conflict.
This attack highlights the vulnerability of Palestinian communities in the West Bank and the unchecked aggression of settlers. It also underscores the urgent need for accountability and intervention to prevent further escalation.
A Call for Action
The Bar al-Walidain mosque attack has drawn widespread condemnation and brought renewed focus to the plight of Palestinians in the occupied territories. Such acts demand immediate attention from international bodies to address the root causes of the conflict and uphold justice for all affected communities.
As tensions remain high, the region braces for further developments. Acts of violence like these highlight the importance of pursuing peaceful solutions and preventing the cycle of aggression from deepening the divide.
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