Israeli authorities have closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to Muslim worshippers and imposed a curfew in the Old City to facilitate Jewish settlers’ religious celebrations. According to local sources, Israeli forces sealed off military checkpoints, restricted movement, and prevented many Palestinians from returning home. Hundreds of settlers, under heavy military protection, reportedly held provocative marches through the streets. Palestinian officials claim the move is part of Israel’s broader effort to take full control of the mosque and convert it into a synagogue. The Ibrahimi Mosque, already divided since a 1994 massacre, remains heavily guarded by Israeli troops, with most of its area allocated for Jewish worship. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs said Israel has been increasingly restricting Muslim access since the Gaza war began in October 2023, closing gates and covering windows of the mosque.