Settlers Attack Mosque in West Bank
On December 20, 2024, Israeli settlers set fire to the Bar Al-Walidain mosque in the town of Marda, located near Salfit in the northern occupied West Bank. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of settlers stormed the eastern neighborhood of Marda, igniting the fire that destroyed significant portions of the mosque. In addition to the arson, the settlers defaced the mosque's walls with racist slogans, including the phrase "Death to Arabs." This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly in the context of the recent escalation of conflict.
Context of Violence in the West Bank
The town of Marda is situated adjacent to the Ariel settlement and has been heavily restricted by Israeli military presence, with entrances to the town often closed by military gates since October 7, 2023. This attack on the mosque coincides with a broader pattern of violence against Palestinians, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which states that since the beginning of the conflict, there have been 822 Palestinian fatalities and approximately 6,500 injuries. The ministry condemned the actions of the settlers and called for international accountability for these violent acts.
Calls for International Action
In response to the mosque burning, the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs urged the international community and human rights organizations to condemn the settlers' actions and hold them accountable. The ministry's monthly report documented numerous violations against places of worship, including 20 raids on the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the demolition of other mosques in the region. These incidents reflect a troubling trend of escalating violence against Palestinian religious sites and communities.
