Settlers Torch Palestinian Mosque, Spray Racist Graffiti

Local Editor

A group of "Israeli" settlers attacked a mosque in the West Bank town of Deir Istiya in the early hours of Wednesday, causing partial damage to the worship house.

Mayor Ayoub Abu Hajleh told Anadolu Agency that the Zionist settlers stormed the area at 3:30am and set parts of Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque ablaze.
"The town's residents rushed to put out the flames before expanding to other areas," he said.

The mayor added that the settlers had sprayed slurs like "Death to Arabs" and "Revenge is coming against Muslims," in Hebrew on the mosque walls.
"Israeli" officials refrained from commenting.

In recent months, settlers have stepped up attacks on Palestinian mosques and property across the West Bank.
At least 145 Palestinians were injured in a total of 91 attacks by settlers from January to November of 2013, according to figures released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA].

According to OCHA, the same period also saw 300 attacks targeting Palestinian-owned land and property.

In response, Palestinian officials accused "Israeli" army and police of turning a blind eye to attacks by settlers.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team