Israel closes Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians for Jewish holiday

Israeli forces have barred Palestinian worshippers from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. The closure comes as thousands of Israeli settlers arrive at the location to mark a Jewish religious celebration.

The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments stated that staff and worshippers were prevented from accessing the building, and the call to prayer was halted. Moataz Abu Sneineh, the mosque director, told Al Jazeera that Israeli authorities planned to keep the prayer halls and courtyards open only to Israelis.

The restriction began on Friday afternoon and is scheduled to remain in place until 10pm on Saturday. It coincides with an annual Jewish observance for Sarah, a wife of the Prophet Abraham, who is traditionally thought to be buried at the site.

Across the Old City of Hebron, where the mosque is situated, Israeli troops have increased security at checkpoints and limited movement, stopping some residents from leaving or entering their homes. Israeli forces informed The Jerusalem Post that they anticipated about 20,000 visitors for the holiday, with hundreds of security personnel stationed at the site.

The Ibrahimi Mosque, also called the Cave of the Patriarchs by Jews, is considered a sacred burial place for the Prophet Abraham and his family by both Muslims and Jews. A 1997 Hebron Agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority gave Israel security control over the Old City, while the Palestinian municipality retained planning and construction powers.

However, in June, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that those planning powers would be taken over by Israel. This move has undermined Palestinian oversight and sparked concerns that Israel intends to secure the site for exclusive Jewish use.

This closure follows the end of a 10-day siege of Hebron by Israeli forces, which resulted in 15 home demolitions, the displacement of more than 3,300 Palestinians, and hundreds of arrests. Israeli settlers have continued to grow their presence in the Old City of Hebron by taking over Palestinian properties and setting up new outposts under the protection of the Israeli military.