Press Statement by the High Representative
for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
and United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia
on the acts of vandalism against a mosque in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
24 February 2026, New York
The High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia strongly condemns the acts of vandalism and defacement carried out against the Abu Bakr Al Siddiq Mosque in the town of Tell, near Nablus in the West Bank.
The incident, which involved the spray painting of denigrating graffiti, the use of inflammatory hard line nationalist rhetoric targeting Muslims, and the setting of fire, occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, shortly before the first prayer of the day.
The High Representative reiterates his firm and consistent position that all holy sites across the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) must be respected, safeguarded, and protected. He underscores that attacks on places of worship threaten not only religious sanctity but also social cohesion and stability.