Settlers set fire to mosques, cars and farmland in West Bank, Palestinians say
10 reported
Palestinian officials report that Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques, cars, and agricultural land in the occupied West Bank, escalating tensions in the territory. The attacks occurred two days after a clash between settlers and Palestinians near the village of Tal, which left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead, with both sides blaming each other for the violence. The mayor of Qusra stated that settlers set fire to a mosque under construction and spray-painted graffiti including the word "revenge" on its walls. In a separate incident, settlers allegedly set fire to another mosque in the village of Kour and sprayed slogans on its walls. The Israeli military said troops were sent to Qusra and that police would investigate and collect evidence. Since the deadly clash on Friday, Palestinians say there have been multiple settler attacks on villages across the West Bank. The Israel Defense Forces carried out raids and arrested more than 130 individuals over the weekend in what it called a "counter-terrorism" operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by vowing to take "powerful action," including the possible demolition of homes of two Palestinians allegedly involved in the Tal incident.
What’s reported
Palestinian officials say Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques, cars, and agricultural land in the occupied West Bank.
The attacks came two days after a clash near Tal that left four Palestinians and two Israelis dead.
The mayor of Qusra, Abdul Azim Wadi, said settlers set fire to a mosque under construction and spray-painted "revenge" on its walls.
In a separate incident, settlers allegedly set fire to another mosque in the village of Kour.
The Israeli military said troops were sent to Qusra and police would investigate.
The IDF arrested more than 130 individuals over the weekend in a "counter-terrorism" operation.
Israeli PM Netanyahu vowed "powerful action," including possible demolition of homes of two Palestinians allegedly involved.
Residents reported six buildings torched by settlers and more than a dozen others attacked with stones in Sarra.
The UN says 1,114 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began, with at least 35 deaths involving settler attacks.
The UN says 41 Israelis have been killed in Palestinian attacks or during Israeli military operations in the West Bank since the Gaza war started.
Key figures
Abdul Azim Wadi, mayor of Qusra
Hanan Turabi, resident of Sarra
Kaied Ahmad Turabi, resident of Miami visiting Sarra
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
Sources: BBC News
