Israeli settlers torch two West Bank mosques amid rising violence

Israeli settlers mosque arson West Bank Qusra Kour

In the early hours of Sunday, July 26 2026, Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque under construction in Qusra, south of Nablus, and to a mosque in the village of Kour near Tulkarm in the occupied West Bank. The attacks were accompanied by Hebrew graffiti that read slogans such as “Jewish revenge” and the name of a settler killed in a clash the previous Friday.

The mosque arsons followed a deadly confrontation on Friday in the village of Tal, southwest of Nablus, where four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed when settlers entered the area. Israeli security forces responded with a large‑scale operation, conducting raids across the West Bank, arresting dozens of Palestinians and confirming traces of arson and the graffiti at the two mosque sites.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a “counter‑terrorism” operation in the West Bank and ordered heightened security measures. The incidents drew condemnation from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other international actors, who called the settler attacks a dangerous escalation ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections.

Entities

Abdel Azim Wadi · Benjamin Netanyahu · Farid Jiyousi · Israeli military · Israeli military (IDF) · Israeli settlers · Kour · Palestinian Authority · Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs · Qusra · Qusra village council

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] An Israeli air strike near Deir al‑Balah in Gaza killed two Palestinians and injured seven. opserver.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] UN data reported a 63 percent increase in attacks by Israeli settlers in the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. opserver.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Four Palestinian men were killed in a clash with Israeli settlers in the village of Tel. www.ertnews.gr · www.koutipandoras.gr · www.thestival.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The Israeli military announced a large operation, set up roadblocks across the West Bank and began mass arrests of Palestinians. www.koutipandoras.gr · www.lifo.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the same clash in Tel. www.ertnews.gr · www.koutipandoras.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in the West Bank and spray graffiti on the buildings. opserver.mk · www.businessdaily.gr · zoom.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Around 70 Palestinians were detained in Tel and dozens more were arrested elsewhere in the West Bank. www.lifo.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Israeli army prepared extensive anti‑terror operations and discussed clearing Palestinian villages for new settlements. www.naftemporiki.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] The mosque attacks followed a clash near Tal that killed four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers. jamaicainquirer.com · mix929.com · jack1065.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.notiulti.com · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Hundreds of Palestinians were arrested or detained across the West Bank amid the broader crackdown. jamaicainquirer.com · mix929.com · www.notiulti.com · news.republika.co.id
[● 4 SOURCES] Israeli military deployed troops to Qusra and Kour and began searching for suspects after the arson. mix929.com · jack1065.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.notiulti.com
[● 8 SOURCES] Palestinian officials condemned the attacks as violations of international law and religious‑freedom protections. mix929.com · jack1065.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.notiulti.com · www.olaymedya.com · +3 more