Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 May 2023, 15:44 GMT

UN envoy for Middle East peace condemns arson attack on West Bank mosque

Publisher UN News Service
Publication Date 25 February 2015
Cite as UN News Service, UN envoy for Middle East peace condemns arson attack on West Bank mosque , 25 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54f06d116.html [accessed 4 June 2023]
DisclaimerThis is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations envoy for Middle East peace today condemned an arson attack on the Al-Huda mosque near Bethlehem in the West Bank, calling for a swift investigation and saying that extremists "must not be allowed to turn this conflict into a religious one."

"I condemn today's arson attack and desecration of Al-Huda mosque in the village of Al-Jaba'a near Bethlehem in the West Bank," UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said in a statement.

The fire was reportedly set to the mosque overnight Tuesday.

Mr. Serry said he is "concerned by this and all other religiously-motivated attacks and provocations by any party, which may further inflame an already volatile environment."

"A timely and thorough investigation, as well as bringing the perpetrators to justice, is critical," he added. "Extremists on both sides must not be allowed to turn this conflict into a religious one."

Search Refworld