Attackers set fire to 15–20 tyres inside the ablution area of a mosque in Jiljilya shortly after 2 a.m., leaving walls and doors blackened and floor tiles cracked by heat. Hebrew graffiti, including the word "Revenge" and references to detainees, was sprayed on the exterior. The mosque, in Area A of the occupied West Bank, was one of two overnight mosque attacks north of Ramallah amid an uptick in settler-linked vandalism since early 2026. Residents cleared debris while Palestinian leaders demanded protection and accountability; Israeli authorities had not commented.
Overnight Attack: Mosque in Jiljilya Torched, Hebrew Graffiti Reading "Revenge" Found
Israeli settlers torch mosque in West Bank village of Jiljilya
Residents in the West Bank village of Jiljilya reported hearing explosions shortly after 2 a.m. before seeing smoke rising from the local mosque. According to the mosque's imam, Mohammad Khasib, attackers set fire to between 15 and 20 tyres in the ablution area, producing heavy smoke and causing extensive damage to the interior.
"They set fire to the tyres inside the ablution area," said Imam Mohammad Khasib, describing soot-blackened walls and doors and floor tiles cracked by intense heat.
The exterior walls of the mosque were spray-painted with Hebrew graffiti, including the word "Revenge" and references to detainees. The mosque is located in Area A of the occupied West Bank, administered by the Palestinian Authority and generally off-limits to Israeli civilians.
Wider Context
Officials said the Jiljilya attack was one of two mosque incidents reported overnight in villages north of Ramallah. Palestinian authorities say dozens of mosques and churches across the occupied West Bank have been vandalised or damaged since the start of 2026 amid a broader rise in settler-related violence.
Local Response and Calls for Action
Local residents returned on Wednesday morning to clear debris and begin cleaning the damaged areas. At the time of reporting, Israeli police and military authorities had not issued a public comment. Palestinian leaders urged stronger protection for religious sites and called for accountability for those responsible.
The information in this report is based on local and Palestinian official accounts. Investigations by security forces or independent bodies were not reported at the time of writing.
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