Israeli Occupation Prevents Condolences for Deceased Activist's Family
In a recent incident highlighting the ongoing tensions in Jerusalem, Israeli occupation forces barred Hanadi Al-Halwani, a Palestinian activist and worshipper at Al-Aqsa Mosque, from attending a mourning gathering for the husband of fellow activist Khadija Khweis. The governorate of Jerusalem reported that Al-Halwani was only permitted to offer condolences via a monitored phone call, lasting just 15 minutes. This restriction underscores the broader pattern of limitations imposed on Palestinian activists, particularly those associated with Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The governorate's announcement detailed that the Israeli intelligence services refused Al-Halwani direct access to Khweis, whose husband, Dr. Ibrahim Abu Ghalya, recently passed away. The occupation authorities have a history of imposing communication bans on activists, with Al-Halwani herself facing restrictions since 2012, including a recent order preventing her from contacting eight individuals for six months. This includes prominent figures such as Sheikh Raed Salah and other activists.
Elderly activist Nafisa Khweis, who has also been barred from Al-Aqsa Mosque, expressed her anguish over the inability to console her friend Khadija during this difficult time. In a video shared on social media, she lamented the separation from her companions, stating, 'Khadija is like my daughter, and I cannot communicate with her or be near her to offer my condolences and comfort her.' This incident reflects the emotional toll of the restrictions imposed by the occupation on personal relationships and community support among Palestinians.
