Israel takes control of Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque: What this means
Summary
Israel has taken control over planning and construction powers at the Ibrahimi Mosque site in Hebron, located in the West Bank, removing these powers from the Palestinian authorities. This move changes parts of an agreement from 1997 that previously allowed the Palestinian municipal council to manage these areas.Key Facts
- The Ibrahimi Mosque, also called the Cave of the Patriarchs, is a religious site important to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.
- The site is in Hebron’s Old City, which is partly controlled by Israel (20%) and partly by Palestinians (80%) under the 1997 Hebron Agreement.
- Before this recent change, the Palestinian Authority had control over planning and construction in Hebron, even in parts controlled by Israel.
- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel now controls planning and construction for the Ibrahimi Mosque area and nearby Jewish settlements.
- The Israeli government supports expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which Palestinians see as land for a future state.
- Hebron’s Old City is listed as a Palestinian World Heritage site by UNESCO.
- The city has had ongoing tensions and violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians for many years.
- The recent decision to take over planning powers comes after Israeli plans to make it easier for settlers to buy land in the West Bank.
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