On Thursday morning, Israeli authorities decided to close the Ibrahimi Mosque, in the West Bank city of Hebron, to Muslims on October 8, because of the settlers’ celebration of the Jewish Yom Kippur.Head of Islamic Affairs, Zaid al-J’abari, stated that the Israeli authorities notified the Islamic affairs officials about the decision to close the mosque.
He added that the army usually closes the Ibrahimi Mosque ten days a year in accordance with decisions of the Israeli commission “Shamgar†formed after the massacre that took place in the mosque in 1994. The commission divided the mosque corridors and courtyards between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Al-J’abari condemned these measures against the Palestinian worshippers, describing them as violation of protection of religious rights under international law.
He stated that the Israeli authorities’ decisions are made deliberately in order to control the whole mosque, including renovation works and the call to prayer.
