World
Israel closes Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians for Jewish holiday
Israeli forces closed Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinian worshippers from Friday afternoon until 10pm Saturday, suspending the call to prayer as roughly 20,000 Israeli visitors were expected for an annual Jewish observance commemorating Sarah, wife of Prophet Abraham. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments said worshippers and mosque staff were barred, while troops tightened checkpoints across Hebron's Old City, restricting residents' movement. The closure follows a 10-day Israeli siege of Hebron and June moves by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take over planning powers, deepening fears of exclusive Jewish control over the contested holy site.