Jerusalem, MINA – Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque, an olive tree and a vehicle in the Palestinian village of Mikhmas, northeast of occupied Jerusalem, in the early hours of Wednesday, according to Wafa.
The Jerusalem Governorate reported that dozens of settlers raided the village shortly after midnight, setting fire to a mosque and a nearby olive tree. They also completely burned a vehicle during the attack.
The incident adds to a series of attacks by Israeli settlers targeting Palestinian places of worship, homes, vehicles and agricultural land across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, Israeli settlers carried out 647 attacks across the West Bank in September alone, killing three Palestinians and damaging thousands of trees, including olive trees.
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The burning of the mosque represents an attack on a place central to Palestinian religious and community life. Places of worship are protected under international humanitarian law, and deliberate attacks against them may constitute serious violations of international law.
The destruction of olive trees also threatens Palestinian farmers’ livelihoods. Olive cultivation is an important source of income for many Palestinian families and holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of their connection to the land.
The attack comes during the olive harvest season, when Palestinian farmers depend on gathering their crops for income. Settler violence during this period has raised concerns about farmers’ access to their land and their ability to harvest olives safely.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have documented settler violence against Palestinian communities and raised concerns about accountability and the response of Israeli authorities to such incidents.
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The international community has repeatedly called for measures to prevent settler attacks and hold those responsible accountable. However, Palestinian communities across the occupied West Bank continue to face threats to their homes, religious sites and agricultural property.
The latest incident in Mikhmas underscores continuing concerns over the protection of Palestinian civilians, religious sites and livelihoods amid escalating tensions in the occupied territory.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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