Tensions Rise in Hebron and Jerusalem Amid Religious Clashes
On October 3, 2024, the Israeli occupation authorities closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, coinciding with a significant influx of settlers storming the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This closure, which restricts Muslim worshippers from accessing the mosque, has raised alarms among local and international communities. The Israeli police have intensified military measures around the Ibrahimi Mosque, allowing only settlers to enter while barring Muslims, particularly on the Jewish New Year.
The Director of Mosques in the Hebron Endowments Directorate, Akram Al-Tamimi, reported that the occupation army has not only restricted access to the mosque but has also prevented the Islamic Endowments employees from performing their duties. For 22 consecutive days, the dawn call to prayer has been silenced in the Ibrahimi Mosque, a situation that has sparked outrage among local Muslim communities.
Hamas condemned the closure, labeling it a 'Zionist crime' that aims to erase Islamic landmarks in Palestine. The group emphasized that such actions reflect a blatant disregard for international laws and norms, further escalating tensions in the region.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Under Siege as Settlers Conduct Rituals
Simultaneously, the situation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque deteriorated as dozens of settlers conducted Talmudic rituals within its courtyards, leading to heightened security measures by the Israeli police. Reports indicate that settlers entered the mosque in groups, engaging in provocative actions while police restricted access for Muslim worshippers.
These developments come against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding religious sites in the region. The Ibrahimi Mosque, which has been a focal point of conflict since its division in 1994 following a settler massacre, is closed to Muslims for ten days each year during Jewish holidays. This ongoing division and the recent actions by Israeli authorities highlight the fragile state of religious coexistence in a region marked by historical grievances.
