Hebron:Israeli occupation authorities have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to Muslim worshippers on Friday, expelling its employees and custodians affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and barring them from entering the site.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the Ministry of Awqaf condemned the closure and the expulsion of mosque staff, describing the measures as a violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and the freedom of worship guaranteed under international laws and conventions.
The ministry stated that the closure, the prevention of prayers, and the expulsion of its staff were part of a policy of Judaization and restrictions aimed at establishing full control over the mosque. It accused the authorities of imposing a division of access by time and space and depriving the mosque of its legitimate Islamic administration.
Furthermore, the ministry emphasized that the Ibrahimi Mosque, including all its halls and courtyards, is an exclusively Islamic endowment. It added that measures and plans targeting the site and its employees and custodians would not alter its Islamic and historical identity.
The ministry warned of the consequences of repeated violations against religious staff and holy sites. It called on the international community and human rights and humanitarian institutions, particularly the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), to fulfill their responsibilities and intervene urgently to pressure Israeli authorities to stop interfering in Islamic holy sites and halt measures that offend the religious sentiments of Muslims.