Tear Gas During Evening Prayers
The incident in Madama occurred while worshippers were attending Isha prayers. Local residents said Israeli forces threw tear gas canisters into the mosque, causing panic among those inside.
Naim Ahmed Faraj, 66, reportedly collapsed after inhaling the gas. His son said his father became semiconscious and was taken home by car because no ambulance was available nearby. He gradually regained consciousness, according to his family.
The incident has added to growing fears among residents who say places traditionally considered safe for worship are increasingly becoming associated with anxiety and danger.
Growing Pressure on Palestinian Villages
Residents of Madama say the village is increasingly surrounded by settlements, bypass roads and military forces. They describe the area as being effectively cut off, with limited space for residents to move freely.
Palestinian residents also allege that some raids take place during prayer hours, increasing fear among worshippers. They say the continuing violence is affecting not only religious activities but also everyday life.
Mosque Set on Fire in Bazariya
Several hours after the Madama incident, a separate attack reportedly targeted the Imad al-Din Zanki Mosque in nearby Bazariya.
According to local accounts, attackers poured flammable material onto the ground floor before setting it alight. Residents and civil defence workers attempted to contain the fire before it could spread further.
Hebrew graffiti containing threats against Arabs was also reportedly sprayed on the mosque walls, adding to concerns about the nature of the attack.
Concerns Over Religious Sites
The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs has condemned attacks on mosques and described the targeting of religious sites as a serious violation of international law.
The ministry says at least 13 mosques have been vandalised or burned by Israeli settlers and forces since the beginning of the year. It has also documented dozens of incidents involving religious sites in Jerusalem and Hebron.
The wider pattern has raised concerns that attacks on places of worship could deepen religious and communal tensions across the region.
Rising Human Cost of West Bank Violence
United Nations figures cited in the report show the broader impact of violence in the occupied territory. At least 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, have reportedly been killed in the West Bank this year, while around 3,800 people have been displaced.
The UN has recorded more than 1,450 settler attacks that resulted in approximately 1,040 injuries. A Palestinian monitoring body has put the overall number of attacks considerably higher.
Families Living in Fear
For many Palestinian families, the security situation is now influencing even basic decisions about where children can go.
Residents say parents are increasingly reluctant to allow their children to visit mosques or move around their communities because of repeated military raids and settler attacks. The fear has created an atmosphere in which ordinary religious activities are no longer viewed as routine.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's office has warned that continued violations involving religious sites could contribute to a dangerous escalation of religious tensions.
Conclusion
The reported attacks on mosques in Madama and Bazariya have intensified concerns over the security of Palestinian communities and religious sites in the occupied West Bank. With settler violence and military operations continuing to affect daily life, the protection of civilians and places of worship remains a major concern. Preventing further escalation will require stronger measures to protect communities and reduce violence.
