ALBAWABA - Israeli police have imposed stringent restrictions around the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron on the anniversary of the prophet Muhammad's Hijra, making it more difficult for Palestinian worshipers to reach the location.
In response to a request from the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, the people of Hebron gathered at the Ibrahimi Mosque to celebrate the Prophet's Hijra. However, the strong military presence of Israel hindered their operations.
"Today, we mark the Prophet's Hijra at the Ibrahimi Mosque, but due to stringent occupation measures, the mosque is nearly empty of worshippers, a stark contrast to previous years," said Mutaz Abu Sunaina, Director of the Ibrahimi Mosque Foundation, in a statement to AA.
Abu Sunaina emphasized the strictness of the regulations by pointing out that all but one of the mosque's entrances were blocked. Despite the difficulties, he urged people to keep trying to go to the mosque.
Israel is in charge of the Ibrahimi Mosque, which is located in the Old City of Hebron. There are around 400 illegal Jewish settlers living there, under the protection of about 1,500 Israeli troops.
The Israeli military has stepped up security surrounding the mosque since October 7, sometimes enforcing curfews on nearby Palestinian areas.
After a 1994 murder at the hands of a Jewish settler that claimed the lives of 29 Muslims, Israel gave Jews 63% of the mosque and Muslims 37%.
