Summary
The article discusses the Israeli government’s increased control around Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank. Israeli restrictions have made it difficult for Palestinians to access the mosque while expanding settlement activities have taken place in the area, bolstered by Israeli army protection.
Key Facts
- The Ibrahimi Mosque is located in Hebron in the West Bank, an important religious site for Muslims.
- Israeli settlers began living in Hebron in 1968, with growing support from the Israeli government over time.
- A massacre occurred at the mosque in 1994, where an Israeli settler killed 29 Palestinians.
- After the 1994 massacre, Israel imposed more restrictions on Palestinian access to the mosque.
- Hebron was divided in 1997 into areas controlled by Palestine (H1) and Israel (H2), with the mosque falling in the H2 area.
- Israeli settlements in Hebron have expanded, with support from the Israeli military.
- Israeli authorities have increased security measures, citing the protection of settlers as a reason.
- Palestinians face travel restrictions and security checkpoints while accessing the mosque.
