Religious Sites Targeted as Tensions Continue Across Palestinian Territories
RAMALLAH: Two mosques in villages north of Ramallah sustained damage on Wednesday after attackers allegedly set fire to parts of the buildings and painted Hebrew slogans on their walls, according to local Palestinian sources.
Residents reported that a group entered the village of Jiljilya before dawn and targeted the local mosque. The incident caused significant damage to the women’s prayer hall, while flames also affected parts of the mosque’s exterior structure.
Local sources said the village has witnessed a rise in attacks in recent months. They noted that a separate incident last month involved the theft of livestock belonging to Palestinian residents, adding to growing concerns among the community.
Meanwhile, a similar attack occurred in the nearby village of Mazra’a al-Nubani, where another mosque sustained material damage after a fire was reportedly set inside the building. Witnesses said Hebrew-language graffiti was also sprayed on walls at both sites.
Communities Report Escalating Incidents
Residents and local officials condemned the attacks, describing them as part of a broader pattern of incidents affecting villages across the occupied West Bank.
Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage at both mosques, while community leaders have called for greater protection of religious sites and civilian property.
Furthermore, the attacks disrupted normal activities in the villages and heightened concerns among worshippers and local residents.
Broader Security Concerns Persist
The incidents come amid continuing tensions across the occupied West Bank, where confrontations, property damage and security-related incidents have increased since late 2023.
According to Palestinian officials, violence in the territory has resulted in significant casualties, injuries, arrests and displacement over the past two years.
As investigations continue, local communities have urged international organisations and relevant authorities to monitor developments closely and help safeguard civilian infrastructure, including places of worship, from future attacks.
The latest incidents have further intensified concerns over security and stability in communities across the occupied West Bank.
