Hebron Municipality Raises Alarm Over Israeli Excavations at Ibrahimi Mosque

HEBRON: The Hebron Municipality issued a warning on Tuesday regarding Israeli excavations taking place at the yards of the Ibrahimi Mosque, located in the southern occupied West Bank city of Hebron. The Municipality's statement highlights concerns over the potential implications of these actions, which are viewed as part of broader efforts by Israeli authorities to alter the status quo at the historic site. According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Hebron Municipality cautioned against the consequences of the ongoing excavations, asserting that they are part of a larger strategy by the Israeli occupation to undermine the Municipality's authority, establish new realities on the ground, and erase the Palestinian cultural identity of the site. The statement described the excavations as a clear violation of international law, lacking any objective or legal justification. Furthermore, it emphasized the risk posed to the historical and religious integrity of the mosque and its surroundings, wh ich are integral to the cultural heritage of Palestine. The Municipality called for immediate intervention from both local and international institutions to stop the Israeli activities and protect the site from further violations. The Ibrahimi Mosque, a significant religious and historical landmark, is situated in a city that is home to approximately 160,000 Palestinian Muslims and about 800 Israeli settlers, who reside in heavily guarded compounds. The presence of roughly 1,500 Israeli troops underscores the tension in the area. Historically, the mosque has been a flashpoint for conflict. In 1994, Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein committed a massacre at the mosque, killing 29 Palestinian worshippers. This event led to the deployment of international monitors, who were later expelled by Israeli authorities. The aftermath of the massacre saw the mosque divided, with a portion converted into a synagogue and significant restrictions imposed on Palestinians, including the closure of important areas such as Shuh ada Street. The occupation authorities also completely seal off the mosque for 10 days each year during Jewish holidays, further exacerbating the tensions and access issues for Palestinian worshippers. The Municipality's plea for action underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in Hebron and the broader implications of these excavations on the region's cultural and historical landscape.