Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of an arson attack on a mosque in the occupied West Bank carried out by Israeli settlers. The incident happened on Thursday, and the Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry described it as part of ongoing violations against Palestinians, while also criticizing a recent storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Details of the Arson Attack
The attack targeted the Hajja Hamida mosque near the town of Deir Istiya, northwest of Salfit in the West Bank. Palestinian officials reported that settlers set fire to the building late at night, causing major damage to the structure and its contents.
Witnesses said the mosque was empty at the time, but the blaze destroyed prayer rugs, furniture, and parts of the interior. Local residents put out the fire before it spread further, but the event has heightened fears in the community.
This arson is one of several violent acts by settlers in recent weeks. Reports show a rise in such incidents since the start of the Gaza conflict in late 2023, with over 500 attacks on Palestinian property recorded this year alone.
The Israeli military responded by launching an investigation, but critics argue that few such cases lead to convictions. In a related event on the same day, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians they called suspected militants during a raid in the area.
Saudi Arabia’s Official Response
The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement on Friday, calling the mosque attack a clear violation of international norms. It linked the arson to broader patterns of aggression by Israeli authorities and extremist groups.
Officials in Riyadh warned that these actions threaten peace efforts in the region. They pointed out that repeated incursions into holy sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque fuel tensions and block progress toward a two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia urged the international community to act. The statement highlighted how silence on these issues weakens global laws and allows conflicts to continue.
This stance aligns with the Kingdom’s long-held position on Palestinian rights. In recent months, Saudi leaders have pushed for ceasefires and humanitarian aid in Gaza, hosting talks with other Arab nations to address the crisis.
International Reactions and Condemnations
The United Nations quickly condemned the attack. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a dangerous act that could spark more violence, urging all sides to respect religious sites.
Several countries joined in the criticism. Qatar and Jordan echoed Saudi Arabia’s views, labeling the arson as part of a pattern of settler violence that undermines stability.
Here are key international responses:
- The UN stressed the need for accountability to prevent further escalation.
- European Union officials called for Israel to protect Palestinian communities.
- Human rights groups like Amnesty International demanded independent probes into settler actions.
Media outlets worldwide covered the story, noting a surge in West Bank violence. Analysts say over 1,000 Palestinians have been displaced by settler actions in 2025, based on data from monitoring organizations.
Broader Context of West Bank Violence
Tensions in the West Bank have spiked amid the ongoing Gaza war, now in its second year. Settler attacks have increased by 40 percent compared to 2024, according to recent reports.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been a flashpoint. On Wednesday, dozens of settlers entered its courtyards under police protection, performing rituals that many Muslims see as provocative.
This follows a pattern of incursions, with over 50,000 settler visits to the site recorded in 2025. Such events often lead to clashes, injuring hundreds.
The table below shows key statistics on West Bank incidents in 2025:
| Category | Number of Incidents | Impact on Palestinians |
|---|---|---|
| Arson Attacks | 120 | 200 structures damaged |
| Home Demolitions | 450 | 1,500 people displaced |
| Settler Raids | 650 | 300 injuries reported |
| Mosque Incursions | 80 | Heightened tensions |
These numbers come from combined reports by Palestinian authorities and international observers. They highlight how violence affects daily life, from farming to worship.
Experts link this rise to political shifts in Israel, where far-right groups have gained influence. Peace advocates warn that without intervention, the cycle of retaliation could worsen.
Implications for Regional Peace
The mosque attack and similar events risk derailing diplomatic efforts. Saudi Arabia has been active in mediation, recently proposing economic aid packages tied to ceasefires.
However, ongoing violence makes talks harder. Analysts predict that if attacks continue, it could lead to broader unrest across the Middle East.
Palestinian leaders have called for global sanctions on settlers involved in such acts. They argue that protection from Israeli forces encourages more aggression.
In the bigger picture, this incident underscores the challenges of achieving lasting peace. With over 700 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 2023, the human cost remains high.
As this story develops, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments and spread the article to raise awareness about these critical issues.
