SALFIT, WEST BANK — December 20, 2024
Israeli settlers set fire to the Bar al-Walidain mosque in the occupied West Bank village of Marda, defacing its walls with racist graffiti including “Revenge” and “Death to Arabs” written in Hebrew. The attack, which occurred under what local officials described as the protection of Israeli forces, has drawn sharp international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of settler violence in the region.
Governor Abdallah Kamil of Salfit confirmed the incident, calling it “a deliberate act of provocation and desecration.” The mosque’s interior suffered fire damage, and its facade was vandalised with hate slogans. No injuries were reported, but the psychological toll on the community is significant.
This assault follows a troubling pattern: more than 1,000 violent settler attacks have been recorded in the West Bank during the first eight months of 2025 alone. Human rights groups and UN observers have repeatedly warned that such incidents—often carried out with military escort or passive oversight—are escalating in frequency and severity.
International Reaction:
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the attack as “a flagrant violation of religious freedom and international law.”
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called it “a dangerous escalation,” urging Israel to hold perpetrators accountable.
European Union diplomats expressed concern over the lack of legal consequences for settler violence and called for renewed protection of Palestinian civilians and religious sites.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza and increased settler raids across the West Bank. Analysts warn that unchecked settler aggression could further destabilise efforts toward a ceasefire and undermine diplomatic initiatives.
Local Response:
Residents of Marda held a vigil outside the damaged mosque, calling for international intervention and protection. Community leaders emphasised the mosque’s role as a spiritual and cultural anchor, and vowed to rebuild despite the trauma.
(Source – Al Jazeera)
—Agencies
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