'Israeli' settlers torch mosque in Nablus as retaliation
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- 'Israeli' settlers set fire to a mosque in Qusra and spray-painted graffiti on the building.
- The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf condemned what it described as a systematic targeting of holy sites.
- The 'Israeli' military said it responded to the scene, found fire damage and graffiti, and searched for suspects.
- 'Israeli' police said they would investigate the incident under military protection and condemned attacks on places of worship.
A group of 'Israeli' settlers launched an arson attack against a mosque in the West Bank village of Qusra, located south of Nablus, spray-painting offensive graffiti on the place of worship before fleeing the scene.
The assault comes as Palestinian authorities warn of an escalating pattern of attacks targeting religious infrastructure across the occupied West Bank.
Awqaf warns of systematic targeting of holy sites
Following the incident in Qusra and a subsequent mosque arson in Tulkarm, the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs issued a strong warning regarding the repeated desecration of places of worship.
The ministry stated that the crime of burning mosques extends beyond individual behavior, taking on a systematic form that occurs under the protection of 'Israeli' occupation forces.
'Israeli' military 'investigates'
In a statement addressing the incident, the 'Israeli' military confirmed that its forces arrived at the outskirts of Qusra on Sunday after receiving a report regarding the arson at the mosque.
Military forces combed the surrounding area for suspects who had fled prior to their arrival, locating the site of the fire along with graffiti written on the property.
The military added that officers from the West Bank District police would later enter the site under military protection to collect statements, evidence, and forensic findings for the investigation.
'Israeli' security forces condemned attacks on places of worship, emphasizing that they will continue working to maintain security and order in the area.
