Governor Claims Israel Is Attempting to Alter the Mosque’s Historic Character
Al-Khalil Governor Khaled Dodeen on Tuesday accused Israel of carrying out measures at the Ibrahimi Mosque as part of a broader plan to establish full control over the site and alter its historic character. According to Dodeen, the ongoing construction work is not merely a renovation project but part of a wider Israeli strategy.
Roofing Work on the Central Courtyard Continues
Speaking at a press conference, Dodeen said construction to roof the Mosque’s central open courtyard continued for a second consecutive day. He alleged that the project is part of a broader strategy led by the Israeli government and backed by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Allegations of Increasing Control Over Mosque Facilities
Dodeen claimed that Israeli authorities are tightening their control over the Ibrahimi Mosque by taking over key facilities, including its electrical infrastructure and water systems. He also alleged that the Muslim call to prayer has been prevented for the past ten days and that additional restrictions have been imposed on Palestinian residents.
Joint Palestinian Plan to Strengthen Presence at the Mosque
The governor announced a joint plan involving the Al-Khalil Governorate, the Al-Khalil Municipality, the Al-Khalil Rehabilitation Committee, and other local institutions. According to him, the initiative aims to strengthen the Palestinian presence at the Ibrahimi Mosque while intensifying diplomatic efforts to halt the Israeli measures.
Claims of Expanded Restrictions Across Al-Khalil
Dodeen further alleged that Israel has expanded restrictions throughout Al-Khalil by installing 106 iron gates, blocking 16 roads and entrances with earth mounds, and establishing more than 20 new settlement outposts.
Governor Reports 763 Settler Attacks
According to Dodeen, the governorate has documented 763 attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. He said these incidents include physical assaults, shootings, and attacks on Palestinian property.
Water Crisis Allegedly Worsening
The governor also accused Israeli authorities of reducing water supplies and tightening control over water sources and transmission lines, saying these measures have further worsened the water crisis in Al-Khalil.
Steel Beams Installed Over Mosque Courtyard
According to the report, Israeli forces on Monday began installing suspended steel beams over the Ibrahimi Mosque’s open courtyard using heavy machinery.
Smotrich Announces Cancellation of the Al-Khalil Agreement
Earlier this month, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the cancellation of the Al-Khalil Agreement, stating that planning and construction authority in Al-Khalil had been transferred to the Israeli Civil Administration under the military.
Smotrich said that planning and building powers in Al-Khalil and at religious sites in the occupied West Bank had been restricted for decades under the Oslo Accords. He described the transfer of those powers to the Israeli Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Council as a “historic” and “dramatic” decision.
Palestinian Officials Warn of Long-Term Impact
Palestinian officials say the move could fundamentally alter Al-Khalil’s identity, deepen Israeli control over the city, and pave the way for further de facto annexation.