Israel closes Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron

The Israeli occupation forces yesterday closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers without prior notice.

Israel’s 0404 website claimed that an explosive device was found in the vicinity of the mosque earlier in the day.

Israel forces intensified their presence in the area and closed the mosque following the incident, the sources added.

No further details were given, nor is it known when the mosque would be reopened.

Muslims are observing the fast during the holy month of Ramadan which is due to come to an end this weekend. Additional prayers are held in the mosque on a daily basis during this period.

Read: Israel banned call to prayer at Ibrahimi Mosque more than fifty times in March

Palestinian residents of Hebron’s Old City face a large Israeli military presence on a daily basis, with at least 20 checkpoints set up at the entrances of many streets, as well as the entrance of the Ibrahimi Mosque itself.

They are also not permitted to drive on Al-Shuhada Street, have had their homes and shops on the street welded shut, and are not allowed to walk on some roads in the Old City.

Meanwhile, some 800 notoriously violent Israeli settlers in Hebron move freely on the street, drive cars, and carry machine guns.