HEBRON, Tuesday, May 26, 2020 (WAFA) – Israeli forces prevented Muslim worshipers’ access to al-Ibrahimi mosque in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh declared yesterday an end to the two-months long lockdown on the Palestinian territories declared early March with the discovery of the first coronavirus cases in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, allowing return to normal life including the opening of mosques and churches.
WAFA correspondent said Israeli forces closed all military checkpoints and electronic gates leading to the Ibrahimi Mosque and prevented residents from crossing to reach the mosque for prayer.
Forces reportedly prevented worshipers gathering outside the mosque from praying in the outer courtyards, and allowed the entry of only 50 people.
The Mosque‘s director, Hefthi Abu Sneineh, condemned these Israeli measures, which he stressed are an infringement on Islamic holy sanctities sponsored by international covenants that guaranteed the right to religious freedom.
T.R.
