Hebron:Israeli occupation forces have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians from Monday until Wednesday, citing the observance of Jewish holidays.
According to Palestine news andInformation Agency, the director of the Ibrahimi Mosque, Mu'taz Abu Sneineh, criticized the closure, stating it was done under the pretext of securing the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. He described the action as a blatant violation of the mosque's sanctity and a provocative attack on Muslims' right to access their places of worship.
The closure has been accompanied by intensified military measures, with all checkpoints and electronic gates leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque being shut. These actions are intended to secure the settlers' celebrations within the mosque and its courtyards. WAFA also reported an increased presence of occupation forces at all entrances to the mosque to facilitate settlers' access to Hebron and its archaeological sites, leading to the closure of some markets in the Old City.
Jewish holidays in Hebron are often associated with disruptions to the daily lives of local citizens, as these periods coincide with increased military procedures at checkpoints, a siege-like atmosphere, and obstacles to citizens' access to their homes, particularly in the Old City and its surroundings. Additionally, these holidays are marked by a rise in aggression from settlers.