Hebron, DZWatch – The Israeli government is engaged in a systematic campaign targeting the city of Hebron, mirroring tactics used in occupied Jerusalem, according to the acting Mayor of Hebron, Ibtisam al-Sharbati. In an exclusive interview, al-Sharbati stated that this campaign, which includes the Ibrahimi Mosque and the Old City, has intensified significantly since the start of the Gaza conflict two years ago and has increased further since last September.
The Palestinian official alleges that the government aims to transfer ownership to settlers by seizing control of parts of the Ibrahimi Mosque’s courtyards, particularly the 288-square-meter open area, under the pretext of public works. Al-Sharbati reports that the occupation authorities have already revoked the Hebron municipality’s authority over the mosque after the municipality refused to hand over the roof of the Ibrahimi Mosque. The government is now allegedly attempting to indirectly transfer ownership to settlers by issuing special permits independently.
“The occupation currently believes it is above international law”, al-Sharbati stated, emphasizing that it disregards international conventions that recognize the Ibrahimi Mosque and the Old City as UNESCO World Heritage sites in danger of extinction.
Reports indicate that the Higher Planning Council of the Civil Administration in the West Bank has decided to strip the Hebron municipality of its building authority within the Ibrahimi Mosque. Sources claim that these powers have been transferred from the Arab municipality to the Israeli Civil Administration to implement a construction plan around the holy site. Immediately following the revocation of authority, the council reportedly approved the aforementioned construction plan.
DZWatch continues to monitor the situation in Hebron and will provide updates as they become available.
