Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in the occupied West Bank, causing significant damage and leaving racist graffiti.
Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques, Al-Rahma in Qusra and one in Kour, in the occupied West Bank. The attacks caused significant damage to the buildings, cars, and agricultural land, while settlers spray-painted racist graffiti, including the words "Jewish revenge," on the walls. Palestinian officials report that these incidents are part of a growing trend of settler violence. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, violence by extremist settlers has steadily risen. The Israel Defense Forces have carried out raids and arrested dozens of Palestinians in a "counter-terrorism" operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the deadly clash in the village of Tal, where four Palestinians were allegedly killed by Israeli forces and two Israeli soldiers were killed. Netanyahu vowed to take "powerful action," including the possible demolition of the homes of two Palestinians allegedly involved in the confrontation. The situation remains tense as Israel continues to expand its settlements on Palestinian-owned land.