Tensions Rise as Mosque in West Bank Set Ablaze, Defaced with Hate Messages

Israeli settlers reportedly stormed a mosque in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, setting it ablaze and defacing its walls with hateful graffiti, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The attack occurred early in the morning in a village located in the northwestern part of the territory. Witnesses said the vandals sprayed racist messages and derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed in Hebrew across the mosque’s walls before fleeing the scene.

The Israeli military has acknowledged the incident, confirming that an investigation is underway to determine those responsible.

There were no initial reports of injuries, but footage circulating in Palestinian and Israeli media showed damage to the place of worship.

Violence by radical settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, which was triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

Since then, there has also been an overall increase in deadly attacks involving Palestinians and the Israeli army in the West Bank.

The Israeli military is frequently accused of not taking firm enough action against settler violence. 

dpa/NAN