West Bank Mosque Attacked by Settlers as Ramadan Begins

Israeli settlers vandalized a mosque in the occupied West Bank, setting fires and spray-painting offensive messages as the holy month of Ramadan commenced. The attack on Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque in Tell comes amid a surge in settler violence against Palestinians.

TELL, West Bank — A mosque in the Israeli-occupied West Bank was attacked by vandals who set fires and spray-painted hateful messages during the early morning hours Monday, coinciding with the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, according to Palestinian officials.

The Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque in Tell, located near Nablus, sustained damage when attackers ignited fires that continued smoldering when morning worshippers arrived for daily prayers. Dark smoke billowed from the mosque’s entrance, while the decorative doorway bore stains from the blaze.

Munir Ramdan, a nearby resident, described his reaction upon discovering the destruction. “I was shocked when I opened the door,” Ramdan stated. “The fire had been burning here in the area, the glass was broken here, and the door was broken.”

Surveillance video captured two individuals approaching the religious building while carrying gasoline and spray paint before fleeing moments later, according to Ramdan.

Palestinian religious authorities report that 45 mosques across the West Bank faced vandalism or attacks from settlers during the previous year. This latest incident occurred as Muslims worldwide began observing Ramadan.

Tell resident Salem Ishtayeh explained the timing’s significance, saying: “The provocation is directed especially at the person who is fasting, because you are fasting and entering a month of mercy and forgiveness from God. So they like to provoke you with words — it’s not that they are attacking you personally, they are attacking your religion, the Islamic faith.”

Israeli military and police officials confirmed their response to the incident and stated they are actively seeking the perpetrators. Military representatives said they “strongly condemn” any damage inflicted upon religious sites.

Palestinian officials and human rights organizations maintain that Israeli authorities consistently fail to pursue legal action against settlers or ensure accountability for acts of violence.

Settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have escalated recently. Just last week, settlers fatally shot Nasrallah Abu Siyam, a 19-year-old Palestinian-American.