Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques and multiple vehicles and attacked Palestinians in the West Bank over the weekend. In the town of Qusra, located near several large Israeli settlements, the Israeli military reported finding graffiti and signs of arson while searching for suspects. Palestinian authorities stated that the attackers also scrawled graffiti on buildings.
This surge in violence follows a gunfight on Friday that left four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers dead. In the wake of this escalation, at least 20 West Bank towns and villages were raided, resulting in the demolition of homes and the arrest of more than 70 Palestinians. Terrified residents continue to brace for further military and settler attacks as incursions and arrests remain ongoing.
In response to the major escalation of violence in the West Bank, a protest group reported that at least 200 people demonstrated in the Israeli capital.