Fire damages mosque in West Bank: Palestinians

Villagers put out the fire, which damaged prayer carpets. Two of the mosque’s windows were broken.

Palestinian villagers say a mosque has been set on fire in the northern West Bank.

The residents of Hawara village near Nablus say they didn’t see anyone at the scene of the pre—dawn blaze on Tuesday. But the villagers say they suspect the mosque was torched by Jewish settlers who live nearby and with whom they have strained relations.

Villagers put out the fire, which damaged prayer carpets. Two of the mosque’s windows were broken.

Israeli security forces had no immediate comment.

The Palestinian villagers spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared retribution by settlers.