Israeli settlers set fire to a mosque, multiple homes, and several cars in an affluent Palestinian suburb, including a house with a couple still inside. The incident was described as a pogrom by observers.
The attack unfolded as a resident was relaxing on a spacious balcony after watering a garden and olive trees, enjoying a pleasant evening breeze and a gorgeous sunset. A suspicious noise from the other side of the porch prompted the resident to investigate.
Upon moving to see what the noise was, the resident was confronted by terrifying, masked men. These individuals were carrying fuel containers, which they proceeded to empty. The resident was then doused with gasoline by the masked attackers.
Escalating Settler Violence
The targeted Palestinian suburb is mostly populated by American citizens. Among the residents affected are Maysoun Ali and her husband Marwan Meshal, whose home was attacked. Maysoun Ali stated, "Our house has become a military base," reflecting the constant threat faced by the community.
This recent arson follows earlier acts of settler aggression in the area. Weeks prior, two benches belonging to Maysoun Ali and Marwan Meshal had been torched by settlers, indicating a pattern of targeted harassment and destruction.
The systematic nature of these attacks, described as a pogrom, highlights the ongoing settler-colonial project that seeks to dispossess Palestinians and terrorize them from their homes. The presence of masked men carrying fuel containers and directly confronting residents underscores the violent intent behind these actions.
Official Response
Following the widespread arson, police quickly moved to arrest suspects. The incident, documented by Gideon Levy and Alex Levac, brings into focus the daily realities faced by Palestinians living under the shadow of illegal settlements and settler aggression.
The targeting of a mosque, private homes, and vehicles represents a direct assault on Palestinian life and property. The description of the incident as a pogrom by those reporting on the events emphasizes the severe and organized nature of the violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers against the Palestinian community.