Hamas has called on Palestinians to mobilise in defence of Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque after hundreds of Israeli settlers entered the religious site alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The entry took place in Hebron’s Old City, where Israeli forces closed nearby streets and restricted access around the mosque. The site is sacred to Muslims and Jews and is divided for worship between the two communities.
Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid described the entry as an escalation and urged Palestinians in the occupied West Bank to gather at the mosque. He said the measures in Hebron were increasing pressure on residents and on the religious site.
Access and local impact
The incident came amid heightened security measures in the Old City. Palestinian officials said the closures affected surrounding neighborhoods and disrupted movement near the mosque. Such restrictions can limit access for worshippers and residents who rely on the area’s streets for daily travel.
The call for mobilisation reflects rising tensions around religious sites in Hebron, where access and control have long been contested. The Ibrahimi Mosque is located in an area of the city where Israeli forces maintain a strong presence and where Palestinian residents face checkpoints and movement restrictions.
The reported entry and the response from Hamas add to wider concerns about the status of holy places and the impact of security measures on local communities. No details were provided about any new policy announced during the visit.
