The firebombing of a Palestinian home in the West Bank resulting in the death of a baby has been condemned by community and British leaders across the board.

A one-and-a-half year-old baby was burned to death and three of his family members were seriously hurt late last night after their house was firebombed by settlers in the village of Douma, near Nablus.

In a statement, the Board of Deputies said: “The Board is shocked to learn of the horrific murder of Ali Dawabsha south of Nablus early this morning and condemns it unreservedly.”

Board senior vice president Richard Verber said: “We share in the pain of the Dawabsha family and hope that the perpetrators of this act of terror will be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said: “The UK strongly condemns today’s horrific attack by Israeli settlers that resulted in the death of a Palestinian child. This was a brutal act of terrorism, as recognised by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. We call on the Israeli authorities to ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought swiftly to justice. We also call on political and community leaders on all sides to do their utmost to promote calm.”

Masorti Judaism labelled the attack a “price tag” act of extremism. In a statement they said it is “utterly appalling and a desecration of God’s name and a perversion of Judaism”.

Zionist Federation chairman Paul Charney also condemned the attack. “There can be no excuse for such actions, and we fully expect Israel to bring those responsible to justice”, he said.

Conservative Friends of Israel expressed their shock over the attack. In a statement they said: “CFI Parliamentary Chairman Rt. Hon. Sir Eric Pickles MP, CFI’s Parliamentary Officers and CFI Director Stuart Polak CBE are shocked and saddened by the despicable act that has been carried out today. We hope the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately. Our thoughts are with the family of the baby.”