Germany on Thursday strongly denounced an arson attack carried out by extremist Israeli settlers on a mosque in the occupied West Bank, highlighting growing concern over escalating settler violence in Palestinian communities. The German Foreign Ministry issued a statement on social media condemning the incident and calling for accountability.
“We condemn the arson attack on a mosque in Deir Istiya in the West Bank,” the ministry said. “The recent surge in violence by extremist settlers is deeply concerning. This violence must be halted, incidents must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.”
Local Palestinian officials and media reports confirmed that the attack took place late Wednesday night, when settlers set fire to and defaced a mosque in the central West Bank village of Deir Istiya. The incident is one of many reported in recent months as tensions continue to rise across the region.
Violence involving Israeli forces and settlers has sharply increased since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Palestinian authorities report that more than 1,070 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed and over 10,300 have been injured in that period. Human rights groups warn that many of these incidents occur during raids, confrontations, or settler attacks carried out under the protection— or in the presence—of Israeli soldiers.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly documented a surge in attacks by Israeli settlers throughout 2024 and into 2025. These assaults have included property damage, vandalism, arson, and physical violence targeting Palestinian residents, homes, agricultural lands, and businesses. UN reports note that settlers often act with impunity, as Israeli security forces rarely intervene or hold perpetrators accountable.
The pattern of escalating settler violence is closely linked to the broader context of Israel’s long-standing occupation of Palestinian territories. In July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as Gaza, to be illegal under international law. The ruling reaffirmed that Israeli settlements violate international norms, and it called for the evacuation of all Israeli settlers from occupied territories. The court further urged Israel to end policies aimed at altering the demographic composition of the region.
Germany, a key European Union member-state and a longtime supporter of international law, has echoed global calls for Israel to comply with the ICJ’s recommendations. Berlin has increasingly expressed concern over settler violence and the lack of consequences for those responsible. Thursday’s statement reflects a growing frustration among European governments regarding the deterioration of conditions in the occupied territories.
Palestinian officials view the attack on the Deir Istiya mosque as yet another example of what they describe as systematic settler aggression, which they argue is intended to pressure Palestinians to abandon their homes and lands. Local residents say such attacks create a climate of fear and insecurity, especially when perpetrators face little or no legal repercussions.
Human rights advocates stress that without robust international action, settler attacks are likely to continue. They emphasize that genuine accountability requires not only prosecuting individual offenders but also addressing the policies that enable settlement expansion and military control over Palestinian areas.
As calls for de-escalation grow louder, Germany’s condemnation adds to a chorus of international voices demanding immediate steps to curb violence, protect civilians, and uphold international law in the West Bank and beyond. The arson attack on the Deir Istiya mosque stands as a stark reminder of the volatility in the region and the urgent need for meaningful diplomatic and legal measures to prevent further deterioration.
