Hebron, West Bank (Agencies): The Israeli army has closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers for two days to allow settlers to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, according to Palestinian officials. The move has sparked criticism and heightened tensions in the region.
Akram Al-Tamimi, the mosque’s director, confirmed the closure, stating that Palestinian worshippers are banned from approaching the site during this period, while settlers have unrestricted access to all sections of the mosque. Tight security measures have been implemented to enforce the closure.
Passover, a significant Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, is celebrated annually and often leads to restrictions on access to religious sites in the West Bank. The Ibrahimi Mosque, revered by both Muslims and Jews, has been a focal point of contention since its division in 1994 following a massacre by an Israeli settler that killed 29 Palestinian worshippers. The mosque’s area was subsequently divided, with 63% allocated to Jewish worshippers and 37% to Muslims.
The Old City of Hebron, where the mosque is located, is home to approximately 400 settlers guarded by around 1,500 Israeli soldiers. The closure of the mosque during Jewish holidays has become a recurring issue, drawing criticism from Palestinian officials and human rights groups.
This latest closure underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing religious sites under Israeli occupation, further fueling tensions in the region.