JERUSALEM, June 7, 2011 (WAFA) – Robert Serry, the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tuesday condemned the Israeli settlers’ arson of a mosque in the West Bank earlier in the day.

“I condemn today’s desecration of a mosque in the village of Al-Mughayyir in the occupied West Bank,” said Serry in a statement. “The actions of Israeli extremists are highly provocative and threatening.”

The UN official said that while he notes the Israeli government condemnation of the arson, he stressed, however, “the need for forceful action against this and other like attacks.”

He reminded Israel of its obligations under international law as the occupying power, saying that “the Israeli government must ensure the accountability of those responsible and protect the human rights of Palestinians and their property, including religious sites.”

M.A.