Jerusalem, November 6, 2026: Israeli police forces raided the Palestinian National Theater, also known as Al-Hakawati Theater, in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday evening and shut down a Palestinian cultural event following an order issued by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
According to the Palestinian Information Center (PIC), the police entered the theater and prevented an artistic and cultural evening organized by the Jerusalem Youth Heritage Forum from taking place. The participants were reportedly forced to leave the venue.
The Jerusalem Governorate condemned the Israeli action, describing it as part of a wider campaign targeting Palestinian cultural institutions, heritage activities and community organizations in occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement, the governorate said the restrictions were aimed at weakening Palestinian national and cultural identity and limiting its presence in the city.
The theater provides a platform for Palestinian artists and performers to present their work and preserve their cultural traditions.
The latest incident comes amid several Israeli measures targeting Palestinian institutions and community activities in East Jerusalem.
On November 5, Israeli authorities also shut down the Abnaa Al-Quds Club in the Old City of Jerusalem following an order issued by Ben-Gvir. The club is a longstanding institution providing sports and social activities for local residents.
The Jerusalem Governorate has repeatedly criticized such closures, saying they restrict Palestinian cultural, social and community life in the city.
The latest shutdown has once again drawn attention to restrictions on Palestinian cultural activities in occupied East Jerusalem.