BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 29. Israeli forces have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, located in the occupied West Bank, “until further notice,” according to Palestinian officials.
TurkicWorld reports.that officials at the mosque told the Wafa news agency that Israeli soldiers ordered worshippers, guards, employees and custodians to leave the site before sealing the place of worship.
The forces subsequently closed all checkpoints and gates surrounding the mosque, restricting access to the area.
The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the measure, saying it forms part of Israel’s ongoing policy of altering the status quo at the Ibrahimi Mosque and constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom.
Palestinian officials also stated that residents of Hebron regularly face closures, movement restrictions and other measures in the Old City, which they say are aimed at strengthening Israeli control over the area surrounding the mosque.
