Mosque Set Ablaze in South Hebron Amid Investigation of Retaliation for Gilad Farm Fire

A mosque in the village of al-Tuwani in southern Hebron was set on fire overnight between Saturday and Sunday, causing damage to several buildings and vehicles. Palestinian residents claim the fire was started by local settlers, while settlers accuse Palestinians of igniting the blaze. Israeli police and IDF forces from the Judea Brigade responded to reports of suspects setting fires and spraying graffiti. No injuries were reported. Authorities collected evidence at the scene and are continuing their investigation in coordination with security agencies.

The police statement linked the mosque fire to a possible act of retaliation following a massive fire at Gilad Farm in Samaria on Saturday, which destroyed 13 homes and damaged 11 others. The Gilad Farm blaze, which forced evacuation and lightly injured two firefighters, is under investigation for possible arson, though initial assessments suggested it started from a discarded cigarette butt. Firefighters are still battling the flames, aided by 41 firefighting teams, 10 firefighting aircraft from the Elad squadron, police air unit helicopters, and IDF engineering and water tank vehicles. The Samaria police district and firefighting authorities are jointly probing the incident.

The police condemned attacks on religious institutions and emphasized ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible. The situation highlights escalating tensions between settlers and Palestinians in the region, with security forces maintaining a strong presence to prevent further violence.