Israeli settlers set fire to mosques, cars and farm land in West Bank, Palestinians say

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Palestinian officials say Israeli settlers attacked two villages in the occupied West Bank overnight, setting fire to two mosques as well as cars and farmland. The reported incidents came shortly after a deadly confrontation near the village of Tal, where four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed, with each side blaming the other for triggering the violence.

In Qusra, Mayor Abdul Azim Wadi told the BBC that settlers burned a mosque that was still being built and sprayed graffiti on its walls, including the word “revenge.” Palestinian officials said a second mosque was also set alight in Kour, where slogans were also painted on walls. Other reported damage included vandalised vehicles, stolen property and hate graffiti. The Israeli military said troops were sent to Qusra and that police would investigate and gather evidence.

The BBC says the Tal clash has further heightened tensions in a territory already facing a rise in settler attacks on Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces has since conducted raids and arrested dozens of Palestinians, describing the actions as a counter-terrorism operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised “powerful action,” including the possible demolition of homes belonging to two Palestinians allegedly involved in the Tal incident.

For context, the West Bank has seen worsening violence since before the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza. The BBC cites UN figures saying 1,114 Palestinians and 41 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank since the Gaza war began. Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.