Two West Bank Mosques Torched in Settler Attacks; Four Palestinians Killed
Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, setting two mosques on fire and killing four Palestinians, according to local officials. The attacks also resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers amid a surge in deadly violence across the region.
One of the mosques, located in the village of Qusra, was burned early in the morning. Hebrew graffiti reading 'Revenge Benayahu' was found on its wall, referring to an Israeli settler killed during clashes with Palestinians in the village of Tell. Photographs showed children standing outside the burnt building.
The violence has drawn accusations from the Palestinian Authority and Israeli opposition figures that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has failed to address settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Critics warn the unrest could escalate further.
In response to the mosque arson, Israeli soldiers and police conducted a security crackdown across the West Bank. Major roads were shut, including those blocking access to a hospital where two militants were reportedly hiding. Israeli authorities have arrested approximately 70 Palestinians in an effort to contain the violence.
The West Bank, under Israeli occupation since 1967, has seen a rise in confrontations between settlers and Palestinians. International law considers Israeli settlements in occupied territory illegal, though Israel disputes this.
