Israeli authorities have launched an investigation following an attack on a mosque in the northern West Bank town of Marda. The mosque was reportedly set on fire, and Hebrew slogans were spray-painted on its walls.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Footage from the site revealed burn marks and graffiti, including a Star of David alongside phrases such as “revenge” and “burn the mosque, build the temple.” The Israeli police and Shin Bet security agency are actively investigating the incident but have not yet made any arrests.
Palestinian officials have blamed settlers for the attack, and Israeli media reports suggest that Jewish Israelis are the prime suspects.
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Human rights organizations have noted an increase in settler-related violence since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on Israel, which escalated into a multi-front conflict. During this period, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on some extremist settler leaders and groups. However, U.S. officials recently indicated they would not extend sanctions to far-right Israeli cabinet members Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, according to the Times of Israel.
In the last year, Israel has conducted numerous operations in the West Bank aimed at dismantling terror networks. These operations have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and the arrests of thousands. Meanwhile, dozens of Israelis have lost their lives in terror-related incidents in the West Bank and within Israel since the October 7 attack.
