Israeli Settlers Burn Al-Rahma Mosque in Qusra, West Bank

Israeli settlers reportedly set fire to the Al‑Rahma Mosque in the village of Qusra, located just south of Nablus in the West Bank, on Thursday. According to eyewitness accounts, the blaze began in the early afternoon and was quickly extinguished by local residents and security personnel. The mosque, a place of worship for the predominantly Palestinian community in Qusra, sustained significant damage to its roof and interior furnishings.

At the same time, Israeli forces conducted a raid in the area, arresting dozens of Palestinians suspected of involvement in protests or other activities deemed threatening to security. The arrests were part of a broader crackdown following a series of clashes in the region earlier that week. Israeli officials said the operation aimed to prevent further unrest, while Palestinian authorities condemned the arrests as an escalation of the occupation’s punitive measures.

The incident has drawn condemnation from international observers and human rights groups, who call for an independent investigation into the arson and the legality of the mass arrests. Local leaders in Qusra have urged calm and requested that the mosque be restored to allow worshippers to resume services. The Israeli government has yet to release an official statement detailing its actions or the charges against the detainees.