Exactly 32 years after the 1994 massacre, the atmosphere around the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron feels tense and heavy. What happened there three decades ago changed the future of the site forever. Today, many Palestinians say the restrictions are even stricter, and the pressure on the mosque’s Islamic identity is growing.
This issue has once again entered Latest News and Breaking News discussions, especially as new political decisions affect control in the occupied West Bank. For many families in Hebron, it is also part of their painful Daily news highlights.
A Tragedy That Changed Everything
On 25 February 1994, during the holy month of Ramadan, an Israeli settler entered the mosque early in the morning and opened fire on Palestinian worshippers gathered for prayer. Twenty-nine people were killed and more than 125 were injured.
One of the survivors, 74-year-old Hosni al-Rajbi, was among the wounded that day. Even now, he continues to visit the mosque, walking slowly with the help of a wooden cane. He says the pain of that day has never left him.
After the massacre:
- The mosque was closed for nine months.
- The call to prayer was completely stopped.
- Israeli authorities divided the prayer space between Muslims and Jews.
- Military control around the site increased sharply.
Many Palestinians believe that this event marked a turning point in the mosque’s history.
A Site Sacred to Three Faiths
The Ibrahimi Mosque, also known to Jews as the Tomb of the Patriarchs, is believed to be the burial place of Prophet Abraham and his family. Because of this, it is sacred to Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
The structure was first built during Byzantine times as a church. Later, under Islamic rule in the seventh century, it was turned into a mosque. Over centuries, it became one of the most important religious landmarks in Palestine.
However, after Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967, changes began. A synagogue was established inside part of the complex. Nearby, the settlement of Kiryat Arba was built. Over time, military presence increased, and tensions grew.
These historical and religious connections are often discussed in Latest News reports when tensions rise in the region.
Division and Restrictions After 1994
Following the massacre, Israeli authorities divided the mosque. About two-thirds of the space was allocated to Jewish worshippers, while one-third remained for Muslims.
Special rules were introduced:
- Muslims are denied access on certain Jewish holidays.
- Jews are given full access during specific religious days.
- The sunset call to prayer is banned daily.
- Worshippers must pass through military checkpoints.
A metal barrier separates Muslim and Jewish prayer areas. At times, loud celebrations or prayers from one side can be heard during services on the other side.
Al-Shuhada Street, once the main road leading to the mosque and a busy market area, has been closed to Palestinians since 1994. Many shops were forced to shut down. According to reports, nearly 1,500 businesses have closed over the years.
These conditions have been frequently mentioned in Daily news highlights, especially during Ramadan.
Life Under Heavy Military Presence
In 1997, the Hebron Protocol divided the city into two zones: H1, controlled by the Palestinian Authority, and H2, under Israeli control. The mosque is located in H2.
Around 700 Israeli settlers live in this part of Hebron, protected by about 2,000 soldiers. At the same time, nearly 40,000 Palestinians also live there under strict movement restrictions.
According to United Nations reports, there are more than 100 physical obstacles in H2, including permanent checkpoints. Some streets are reserved only for settlers, forcing Palestinians to take longer routes.
For worshippers, even reaching the mosque has become difficult:
- Only one entrance is often open.
- Long lines form at checkpoints.
- Women and elderly people sometimes wait for hours.
- Many miss prayer times because of delays.
During Ramadan, when mosques are usually full, the number of worshippers has dropped by nearly 50 percent, according to mosque officials.
Recent Political Decisions Raise New Fears
Earlier this month, new measures announced by Israeli authorities expanded their civil and administrative powers in parts of the West Bank. Critics say these steps look like de facto annexation.
Hebron was directly mentioned in these decisions. Building permits and construction approvals, which were once handled by Palestinian authorities, are now reportedly transferred to Israeli control.
Palestinians fear that these changes could allow structural modifications inside or around the mosque without their consent.
In the past, there have been plans to install an elevator and to build a roof over part of the courtyard. Mosque leaders say such projects were rejected by Palestinian officials but may now move forward.
These developments have again become part of regional Breaking News, especially after tensions increased following the October 7 attacks and the war in Gaza.
Growing Concerns About Religious Identity
Mosque director Sheikh Moataz Abu Sneineh says restrictions have intensified since 2023. He reports:
- Extended bans on the call to prayer
- Settlers entering the mosque area carrying firearms
- Celebrations and weddings held inside courtyards
- Temporary bans placed on mosque staff
He himself has faced short-term bans from entering the mosque. According to him, these actions are part of a broader attempt to reduce Palestinian administrative control over the site.
In 2017, UNESCO placed Hebron’s Old City, including the mosque, on its World Heritage in Danger list. The organization cited settlement activity and access restrictions as reasons for concern.
A Community Holding On
Despite the challenges, many Palestinians continue to pray at the mosque whenever they can. Elderly worshippers say they refuse to give up their connection to the site.
Hosni al-Rajbi says the suffering today feels even heavier than after the massacre. He believes that daily restrictions and uncertainty create constant emotional pressure.
Still, he and others say they will continue visiting the mosque, no matter how difficult it becomes.
As this story continues to develop, it remains part of Latest News, and ongoing Daily news highlights in the region. For many in Hebron, the Ibrahimi Mosque is not just a building — it is a symbol of faith, identity, and resilience.
