Israel closes Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians for Jewish holiday
Summary
Israeli forces closed Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinian worshippers during a Jewish religious observance and restricted movement in the Old City. The closure was scheduled to last until 10pm Saturday, while Israeli authorities expected about 20,000 visitors to the site.Key Facts
- The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments said worshippers and mosque employees were barred from entering and the call to prayer was suspended.
- Mosque director Moataz Abu Sneineh said Israeli authorities planned to open the prayer halls and courtyards exclusively to Israelis.
- The annual observance commemorates Sarah, who is traditionally believed to be buried at the site.
- Israeli forces tightened checkpoints and restricted movement in Hebron’s Old City, affecting some residents’ ability to enter or leave their homes.
- The 1997 Hebron Agreement gave Israel security control over the Old City and Hebron’s Palestinian municipality planning and construction powers.
- In June, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a takeover of the municipality’s planning and construction powers, according to the article.
- The closure followed a 10-day Israeli siege of Hebron that ended days earlier; the article says it involved hundreds of arrests, 15 home demolitions and the displacement of more than 3,300 Palestinians.
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