West Bank Mosque Restored After Settlers Attack, Palestinians Unite

Deir Istiya, West Bank: Palestinians in the village of Deir Istiya, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, held weekly communal prayers on Friday after restoring a mosque that had been desecrated in a suspected settler attack. The assault, which took place on Wednesday night, involved smashed windows, burn marks, and graffiti insulting Islam’s Prophet Mohammed, according to local residents and witnesses.

Villagers described the attack as part of a growing wave of assaults on Palestinian properties and religious sites, which have increased tensions across the region in recent months. Community members worked together to remove broken glass, clean charred areas, and erase offensive slogans, ensuring the mosque was ready for Friday prayers.

“This is our place of worship, our sanctuary,” said one villager, requesting anonymity. “We will not let hate silence us. Today, we pray together, stronger than ever.”

Israeli authorities have yet to comment on the incident, though Palestinian officials have condemned it as an attempt to intimidate the local population and provoke further unrest. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized such attacks, highlighting the spike in settler violence in the West Bank, which has left homes, mosques, and agricultural lands damaged.

The restoration of the mosque and the communal prayers served as a symbol of resilience for the village, demonstrating how Palestinian communities continue to uphold their faith and traditions amid rising tensions. The incident has also drawn attention to the need for stronger protections for religious and cultural sites in conflict zones.

With the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict showing no signs of resolution, attacks on sacred spaces exacerbate fears of escalating violence and further destabilization in the region. Observers warn that each assault on a religious site not only harms property but also deepens the divide between communities, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and conflict mitigation efforts.

Local leaders called on international organizations to investigate the attack and provide increased safeguards for Palestinian villages, emphasizing that the protection of religious freedom and cultural heritage is essential for peace and stability in the West Bank.

As the mosque reopened for prayers, villagers vowed to maintain vigilance and solidarity, sending a clear message that despite acts of violence, their faith and community spirit remain unshaken.