Israeli settlers vandalised a mosque in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. The incident occurred at the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque in the town of Tell, near Nablus, where worshippers discovered spray-painted offensive phrases and a fire that had been set, just before the first prayers of the day. The damage included a stained ornate doorway and broken glass, with black smoke still lingering at the entrance.
Local resident Munir Ramdan expressed his shock upon witnessing the aftermath. “The fire had been burning here in the area, the glass was broken here, and the door was broken,” he stated. Security footage reportedly captured two individuals approaching the mosque, carrying petrol and spray paint, before fleeing shortly after the act.
Pattern of Violence Against Religious Sites
The Religious Affairs Ministry noted that the mosque incident is part of a troubling pattern, with settlers allegedly vandalising or attacking 45 mosques in the West Bank last year alone. This latest act of aggression occurs during the holy month of Ramadan, a period marked by fasting and reflection for Muslims. Local resident Salem Ishtayeh highlighted the significance of this timing, stating, “The provocation is directed especially at the person who is fasting… they are attacking your religion, the Islamic faith.”
In response to the incident, the Israeli military and police confirmed they are investigating and searching for suspects. The military asserted that it “strongly condemns” any harm inflicted upon religious institutions. Nevertheless, both Palestinians and human rights groups assert that Israeli authorities frequently fail to hold settlers accountable for acts of violence.
The atmosphere has grown increasingly tense, with reports indicating a recent surge in violence from settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank. Just last week, a 19-year-old Palestinian-American man, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, was killed in an attack attributed to settlers. The ongoing violence has heightened concerns about the safety and security of Palestinian communities in the region, prompting calls for more effective protective measures from authorities.
As this situation unfolds, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of religious sites for all faiths.
