Hamas Condemns Closure of Ibrahimi Mosque Amid Rising Tensions
The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has vehemently condemned the recent closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron by Israeli authorities, labeling it a crime and a blatant attack on a sacred Islamic site. This closure, which restricts Muslim access for ten days a year coinciding with Jewish holidays, is seen as part of a broader strategy to Judaize and erase Islamic landmarks in Palestine. Hamas emphasized that such actions not only violate the sanctity of the mosque but also disregard international laws and norms regarding religious freedoms. The movement has called on the international community to take decisive action against what it describes as the fascist occupation government of Israel.
In a related context, the situation escalated as Israeli forces tightened military measures around the mosque while allowing settlers to enter during the Jewish New Year celebrations. This development follows a historical pattern established since 1994 when the mosque was divided into areas designated for Jewish and Muslim worshippers after a tragic massacre. The ongoing tensions are further exacerbated by violent incidents, including a recent attack in Jaffa claimed by Hamas that resulted in multiple casualties, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the ongoing conflict in the region.
- Hamas's statement comes amid a backdrop of increased violence in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring a state of war against what he termed Iran's 'axis of evil.' Following a wave of missile attacks from Iran, which targeted various locations in Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have vowed to respond decisively. This includes airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and ongoing military operations in Gaza, where the death toll has risen significantly. The international community has been urged to intervene as tensions rise, with various nations expressing concern over the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The recent closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque and the violent clashes at Al-Aqsa Mosque serve as stark reminders of the fragile state of peace in the region, with religious sites at the center of the ongoing hostilities.
