Israeli settlers have set fire to two mosques, cars and farmland in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials say, as tensions in the region continue to rise.
The attacks came two days after a clash between settlers and Palestinians in the village of Tal, which left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead. Both sides blame each other for provocation, deepening an already volatile situation.
According to reports, outdoor vehicles were vandalised, property was looted, and hateful graffiti was sprayed on village walls. The mayor of Qusra claimed that settlers set fire to a mosque under construction, while Abdul Azim Wadi noted spray‑painted slogans including the word “revenge” on the mosque’s walls.
The Israeli army deployed troops to Qusra and pledged a police investigation and evidence collection. In a separate incident, settlers allegedly burned another mosque in the village of Kour and spray‑painted slogans on its walls.
Since the deadly Tal incident, settlers have reportedly raided several West Bank villages. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has conducted raids, arresting dozens of Palestinians under a “counter‑terrorism” operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the Tal clash by vowing “powerful action,” potentially including the demolition of homes belonging to Palestinians accused of involvement.
The surge in settler attacks has been forced into international spotlight, yet there has been little change in policy. The situation deteriorated before the Hamas‑led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023, and has accelerated since the ensuing war in Gaza.
United Nations data shows at least 1,114 Palestinians killed in the West Bank, most by IDF forces, with at least 35 deaths attributed to settler attacks. Forty‑one Israelis, including civilians and security personnel, have also been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli operations since the Gaza war began.
Israel’s occupation of the West Bank dates back to 1967, when the country built settlements that now house about 700,000 Jews. The remaining 3.3 million Palestinians live adjacent to these settlements, which are deemed illegal under international law.
