Israeli Settlers Torch Mosque, Homes in West Bank amid Escalating Attacks
In al-Khalil, settlers set fire to two homes in the village of al-Tuwani in Masafer Yatta and burned the local mosques, causing extensive damage. They also vandalized property, including a vehicle, while Israeli troops provided cover.
Settlers also raided two homes in Wadi al-Rakhim near Yatta, stealing three sheep, as soldiers fired live rounds in the area without reported injuries. In the town of al-Samu, armed settlers attempted to seize livestock in Wadi Ajhish but were forced to withdraw after residents confronted them.
In Nablus, settlers attacked the al-Dhahr area on the outskirts of Beita, injuring four Palestinians and damaging homes and property. A separate assault near Burqa left a young man with hand injuries. On Saturday evening, settlers burned down a home belonging to a resident previously targeted in earlier attacks; the house was occupied at the time and was completely destroyed.
According to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Israeli forces and settlers carried out 11,074 violations in the first half of 2026, including 3,488 attacks by settlers involving village raids, assaults on civilians, arson, land seizure, and the establishment of outposts. The attacks resulted in the martyredom of 17 Palestinians. Nablus recorded the highest number of incidents with 900, followed by Hebron with 840, and Ramallah–al-Bireh with 780.
Source: Almayadeen
