Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in occupied West Bank

Israeli settlers set fire to two mosques in the occupied West Bank overnight, Palestinian officials said, as violence in the territory continues to escalate.

According to local officials, one mosque under construction in the town of Qusra, south of Nablus, was set on fire, damaging its entrance and parts of the building.

Qusra Mayor Abdel Azim Wadi said the attackers also spray-painted Hebrew graffiti on the mosque's walls, including the word "revenge".

The Israeli military said troops were sent to the area after receiving reports of the fire. It said the suspects had fled before soldiers arrived and that signs of arson and graffiti were found at the scene.

In a separate incident, the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs said settlers also set fire to a mosque in the village of Kour, near Tulkarem, and painted racist slogans on its walls.

The incidents come days after clashes in the village of Tell, where four Palestinians and two Israelis were killed. Following the violence, Israeli forces carried out raids in Nablus and nearby towns, arresting dozens of Palestinians.