The situation regarding the historic Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil has reached a new turning point. According to a report published by the Palestine Information Center, the Israeli occupation authorities have issued a fresh order to seize the mosque’s inner courtyard, which is being seen as a significant and worrying change in the status of the site.
The mosque’s director, Mutaz Abu Sneineh, stated that with this decision, the occupation forces have also taken control of the mosque’s electricity and water systems. According to him, this move is not in accordance with international agreements and treaties related to the protection of religious and cultural sites.
Acting Mayor of Al-Khalil, Asma Al-Sharbaty, said that this order directly affects the status of the Ibrahimi Mosque. She reminded that this site is already listed on UNESCO’s ‘World Heritage in Danger’ list, for whose protection international responsibility is recognized.
Abu Sneineh stated that there has been a clear increase in violations against the mosque over the past two years. According to him, the occupation authorities are now moving beyond the policy of dividing time and space at the mosque and are working towards full control, which may include changes related to the mosque’s architecture, administrative structure, and the presence of its users.