Wave of settler attacks hits West Bank mosques, homes and businesses A surge in attacks by Israeli settlers has swept across the occupied West Bank, with mosques, homes, businesses and vehicles targeted in what Palestinian officials describe as one of the most widespread outbreaks of violence in recent months. The incidents stretched from Nablus in the north to Hebron in the south, prompting renewed calls for international action to curb settler violence. Mosques set ablazeOne of the most serious attacks took place in the village of Qusra, south of Nablus, where settlers allegedly set fire to the newly renovated Al-Rahma Mosque. Local residents said the mosque was due to reopen within days after extensive refurbishment, but the blaze caused major structural damage, including the partial collapse of several walls. Villagers said slogans including "Israel will be established with blood" and "Mosques will not frighten us" were spray-painted on the building, alongside messages believed to reference recent clashes involving settlers. Residents rushed to extinguish the fire after neighbours reported seeing settlers leaving the area. A second mosque was also set alight in the nearby village of Kur, south of Tulkarm, where similar graffiti calling for revenge was reportedly found. Businesses and homes attackedViolence also spread to Palestinian businesses. In the Ain Samia area near Ramallah, settlers allegedly attacked a stone quarry, setting fire to heavy machinery including excavators, bulldozers and trucks. The quarry owner estimated losses at around 2 million shekels and said three security guards were injured after being beaten and sprayed with pepper spray. Elsewhere, Palestinian vehicles were burned in Beitillu, while residents in Beit Furik said settlers attempted to set a house on fire before being driven away by locals. Roads were blocked in parts of Hebron, and several communities reported vehicles being attacked with stones. Ambulance and Bedouin community targetedIn another incident, an ambulance transporting a patient was reportedly forced to turn back after coming under attack near the settlement of Karnei Shomron. Near Jerusalem, armed settlers allegedly opened fire near a Bedouin community east of Jaba', while also setting a house and vehicle ablaze. Palestinian officials also accused settlers of establishing a new outpost on land near Deir Istiya in the Salfit area. Palestinian officials condemn violenceThe Palestinian Higher Fatwa Council condemned the attacks on mosques, describing them as part of a systematic campaign against places of worship. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the incidents reflected an organised pattern of violence carried out with what it described as the protection of Israeli occupation forces. It urged the international community and the United Nations to take stronger action, including imposing sanctions on violent settlers and considering armed settler groups for designation as terrorist organisations. Violence continues to riseAccording to Palestinian officials, more than 11,000 attacks involving Israeli forces and settlers were recorded across the West Bank during the first half of 2026. The occupied territory is home to around 750,000 Israeli settlers, living in more than 140 recognised settlements and over 220 settlement outposts. Israel has repeatedly stated that it condemns unlawful acts of violence by settlers and says security forces investigate criminal offences. However, human rights groups and Palestinian officials argue that prosecutions remain rare and that attacks have intensified alongside the expansion of settlements, which are regarded as illegal under international law—a position disputed by Israel. SOURCE
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