Israel closes Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, blocks Palestinian worshippers
Palestinian access to the mosque compound was blocked while Israeli settlers were allowed entry for a Jewish holiday.
Israeli forces closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron on Wednesday and prevented Palestinian worshippers and visitors from entering the compound. The closure was carried out on the grounds of a Jewish holiday, while access was said to be opened to Israeli settlers. A WAFA report cited by Antara said Israeli forces also blocked the entrances to the site. At the same time, Israeli forces raided homes in Hebron, Al-Dhahiriya and Al-Samu in the southern area, then searched and ransacked them. There have been no reports of arrests so far. Hamas condemned the closure as a violation of freedom of worship and the sanctity of the Islamic site, and warned of “serious consequences.”