HEBRON, October 4, 2024 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation forces have prohibited the call to Friday prayer from the minarets of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron and obstructed citizens from accessing the site to perform prayers.

Ghassan Al-Rajabi, the director of the Hebron Awqaf (Islamic Endowments), reported to WAFA that the forces prevented the adhan (call to prayer) for Friday prayers from being broadcast, which forced many worshippers to pray outside in the courtyard. This marks the 23rd consecutive time that the dawn prayer adhan has been banned.

Al-Rajabi added that Israeli troops stationed at military checkpoints near the mosque searched citizens and scrutinized their identities.

Yesterday, Israeli forces closed the Ibrahimi Mosque and intensified their repressive measures against residents of the Old City, blocking entry for employees of the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs under the pretext of Jewish holidays.

The Israeli authorities fully close the Ibrahimi Mosque for ten days each year, citing religious holidays, effectively denying Palestinian worshippers their right to pray at the site.

M.N