Israeli settlers deface, set fire to West Bank mosque during Ramadan
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
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Israeli settlers carried out an attack on the Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Mosque in the West Bank during Ramadan, defacing and setting fire to the site. This incident occurred amid a surge of violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers and military forces. The mosque, located near Nablus, was targeted with racist graffiti denigrating the Prophet Muhammad and slogans like "revenge" and "price tag," which are commonly used by settlers to signify attacks on Palestinian property and communities.
Worshippers arriving for prayers found the mosque damaged and smoldering, with broken glass and doors. Security camera footage revealed two individuals carrying gasoline and spray paint approaching the site before fleeing. The attack left a lasting impact on the community, as seen through accounts from locals like Munir Ramdan, who described the scene as shocking and disturbing.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Since Israel's military offensive in Gaza began in October 2023, at least 1,094 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank. A UN Human Rights Council report highlighted that these actions are part of a systematic strategy to uproot Palestinian communities and alter the demographic composition of the region, raising concerns about ethnic cleansing.
The mosque attack reflects a growing trend of settler violence against Palestinian religious sites. Last year alone, settlers vandalized or attacked 45 mosques in the West Bank. While Israeli authorities claim to be investigating the incident, human rights groups argue that they often turn a blind eye to settler actions, allowing such violence to escalate with impunity.
This surge in violence not only threatens Palestinian lives and property but also undermines efforts toward peace in the region. The targeting of religious sites during Ramadan adds another layer of significance, as it is seen as an attack on the Islamic faith itself. International concerns about Israel's policies in the West Bank have
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026