Israeli settlers torched a West Bank mosque, in the latest example of attacks targeting Palestinians [Screengrab/TNA]
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian teenager late on Thursday in the occupied West Bank, while violent settlers carried out a string of attacks across various towns and cities, including setting a mosque ablaze.
The teenager, identified as 16-year-old Fahd Zidan Owais, was shot and killed by Israeli army fire in a village south of Nablus.
Israeli forces prevented Palestine Red Crescent crews from reaching Owais, a move that has become increasingly common during Israeli raids and military operations.
Sources told the Palestinian Wafa news agency that his body was withheld by Israeli authorities, a decision that has long been decried by activists and campaigners who state it is a form of collective punishment as it prevents people from mourning and burying their dead.
The development comes as ultra-nationalist Israeli settlers also set fire to a mosque and cars early on Friday, in a village southeast of Ramallah.
The settlers stormed the village overnight, torching the mosque and spray-painting racist anti-Palestinian graffiti on the walls of homes.
Images surfacing from the attack show the mosque’s walls blackened from ash and cars destroyed.
Early on Friday, Israeli settlers also attacked residents and worshippers in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa before Islamic congregational prayers, as nine Palestinians were detained.
The settlers were seen hitting and kicking locals in the streets, while Israeli forces stood by, cracking down on any Palestinians who engaged in confrontations.
The violent attacks coincide with far-right Israelis marching through Jerusalem on Thursday, on the so called “Flag Day”. The day marks Israel’s illegal capture of East Jerusalem and the West Bank in May 1967.
Video footage captured nationalists chanting “death to Arabs”, and “may your villages burn” in the streets of the Old City.
Others were seen attacking Palestinian businesses and harassing residents.
Far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, further sparked uproar when he stormed the highly revered Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, unfurling an Israeli flag.
Ben-Gvir was accompanied by around 1,300 settlers who broke into the holy site, while police prevented Palestinians from entering.
