AL-KHALIL, (The Palestine Foundation Pakistan)Israeli occupation forces (IOF) announced the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil to Muslim worshippers on Wednesday and Thursday, citing Jewish holidays.
The closure affects all prayer halls, courtyards, and sections of the mosque, preventing Muslims from entering. Over recent years, Israeli measures against the mosque have intensified, including banning the call to prayer, restricting entry unless through electronic gates, conducting searches, and obstructing mosque staff from performing their duties.
Last week, the IOF closed the mosque for the so-called “Hebrew New Year” and in preparation for Yom Kippur on October 1.
Located in the Old City of Al-Khalil, the mosque is under full Israeli control. Around 400 settlers reside in the area, protected by approximately 1,500 Israeli soldiers.
Following the 1994 massacre, in which a Jewish settler killed 29 Palestinian worshippers, Israel divided the mosque: 63 percent for Jewish use and 37 percent for Muslims. The Jewish-designated area includes the prayer call room.
Under unilateral Israeli arrangements, the mosque is fully closed to Muslims on ten Jewish religious occasions each year, while similarly it is closed to Jews on ten Islamic religious occasions.
However, since the start of the genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israel has consistently failed to allow full access for Muslims during their religious occasions.
