Israeli settlers set West Bank classroom on fire

Israeli settlers in the West Bank have set fire to a classroom in the village of Jalud, south of Nablus, Palestinian media reported on Friday.

Villagers were able to douse the flames, and no one was hurt, as the attack took place outside normal school hours, the reports said.

The official Palestinian WAFA news agency said the attack had occurred at dawn on Friday and that extensive damage had been caused.

The Israeli military confirmed the arson attack, saying soldiers had been sent to the village but failed to find any suspects.

Israeli media also reported the damage, saying the word "Revenge" was sprayed on the building.

A number of Palestinian cars were reportedly set alight in another village and further property was damaged.

Attacks on Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank have increased since the October 7, 2023, attacks mounted by Hamas from the Gaza Strip.

The UN put the number of attacks last year at almost 1,700 in 270 locations, including attacks on Palestinian agricultural land during the olive harvest.