Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque Closed to Muslim Worshippers: What We Know

HEBRON, West Bank — October 25, 2026

Palestinian authorities condemn reported closure and removal of mosque staff

The Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, was closed to Muslim worshippers on Friday, October 23, according to reports published by Palestinian news agency WAFA and Qatar News Agency (QNA). The reports also said that employees and custodians affiliated with the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs were removed from the site and prevented from remaining inside.

The reported closure has renewed concerns about access to religious sites in Hebron, a city where restrictions on movement and worship have been a longstanding source of tension.

What happened on October 23?

According to WAFA, Israeli authorities closed the mosque to Muslim worshippers and expelled its staff and custodians. The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the action, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of religious sites and freedom of worship.

The ministry also called on the international community and relevant human rights and cultural institutions, including UNESCO, to intervene.

These details are based on reports from Palestinian and regional news agencies. As of publication, this article does not independently establish how long the closure lasted or whether normal access was subsequently restored.

Why is the Ibrahimi Mosque important?

The Ibrahimi Mosque is a major Islamic religious site in Hebron. The wider sanctuary is also revered by Jews and Christians because of its association with the biblical patriarch Abraham, known to Muslims as Prophet Ibrahim.

The site has deep religious and historical significance and is located in Hebron’s historic centre. Hebron’s Old City and the sanctuary are recognised internationally for their cultural and historical importance.

Access to the site has long been politically sensitive. Restrictions on worship, security arrangements and disputes over administration have repeatedly raised concerns among Palestinians and international observers.

Palestinian ministry raises concerns over control of the site

In its statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf argued that the closure and removal of staff formed part of broader restrictions intended to increase control over the sanctuary and limit the role of its Islamic administration.

These are the ministry’s allegations and characterisation of the events; they should be understood as such rather than as independently established findings.

Qatar News Agency also reported the closure and the ministry’s condemnation. The reports available for this article did not provide a detailed Israeli official response to the specific October 23 incident.

Religious freedom and access to holy sites

The incident highlights wider questions about the ability of worshippers to reach religious sites safely and without undue restrictions.

For Muslim residents of Hebron, access to the Ibrahimi Mosque is an important religious concern. More broadly, the protection of religious heritage and access to places of worship remain significant issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Any assessment of the incident should distinguish between the reported closure, the Palestinian ministry’s response and any independently verified information about the authorities’ reasons, the duration of the restrictions and subsequent access.

What happens next?

Key questions remain about whether Muslim worshippers have regained access, whether mosque employees have been permitted to return and whether further restrictions will be imposed.

Islam Global News will update this report if reliable information becomes available from additional sources or relevant authorities.

Editorial note: This report attributes the incident details to WAFA and QNA and the allegations about the purpose of the closure to the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs. The situation may change, and the duration of the reported closure has not been independently confirmed in the sources reviewed.

Sources

  • WAFA: Israeli forces close Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers in Hebron — October 23, 2026. WAFA report
  • Qatar News Agency: Israeli Occupation Closes Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim Worshippers, Expels Staff — October 23, 2026. Qatar News Agency report