Ashton condemns 'troubling' attack on W. Bank mosque

EU foreign affairs chief calls on Israel to investigate arson, says such attacks undermine peace process.

By JPOST.COM STAFF, YAAKOV LAPPIN
Ashton in Libya 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Ashton in Libya 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton called on Israeli authorities Thursday to investigate the "troubling" attack on a West Bank mosque on Wednesday, saying such incidents undermined the peace process.
Ashton, who made the comments in a written statement, said that she condemned the "attack on December 7, 2011 in which a flaming tyre [sic] was thrown into the entrance of the mosque and the mosque's walls were sprayed with graffiti."
RELATED:Police investigating new West Bank mosque arson
The baroness said "accountability and the rule of law are essential," calling on Israel to investigate the vandalism and bring the "perpetrators to justice."
Police on Wednesday announced they were investigating the event, but said it was too early to name suspects.
The mosque, situated in the Palestinian village of Brukin, on the outskirts of Kalkilya, was vandalized with spray paint, and burning tires were placed inside. A number of nearby vehicles belonging to the village residents were torched and many car windows were smashed.
Police set up a task force this year made up of National Serious and International Crimes detectives and Judea and Samaria district officers to tackle suspected far-right activists behind a wave of hate crimes against Palestinians.
Police view the attacks as extremely dangerous incidents that could spark wider waves of violence in the region.


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