On Friday, November 22, 2024, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron accompanied by hundreds of settlers, under heavy protection from occupation forces. This incursion comes as part of an ongoing escalation by the Israeli government in the West Bank, especially in Hebron, where the Ibrahimi Mosque is witnessing increasing tensions in light of the occupation's attempts to expand settlements and impose its control over holy sites.

Palestinian Reactions:

• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this incursion strongly, asserting that these provocative actions aim to alter the status quo at holy sites and incite violence. It also held the Israeli government fully responsible for the consequences that may arise from this escalation.

• The Palestinian government described the actions as “an indicator of a serious escalation,” warning of their implications for the peace process in the region.

International Reactions:

• Saudi Arabia condemned what it described as “provocative statements” by Ben Gvir, indicating that these actions threaten the feelings of Muslims around the world. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the necessity of respecting the historical and legal status of the Ibrahimi Mosque and the holy sites in Jerusalem.

• The UAE strongly denounced the incursion and called on the international community to act against the practices of the occupation, stressing the need to uphold the rights of Palestinians.

• Jordan expressed its deep concern and considered the incursion a violation of the religious sanctity of the Ibrahimi Mosque, summoning the Israeli ambassador in Amman to express its rejection of this escalation.

• The United States expressed its concern regarding any unilateral steps that may lead to increased tensions in the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem.

• The United Nations called on all parties to avoid any actions that could exacerbate the situation in the West Bank, and stressed the importance of respecting the religious rights of all parties.

Consequences of the Incursion:

The recent incursion is part of an ongoing Israeli policy to attempt to impose control over holy sites in Palestine. Despite Israeli statements asserting that these visits are legal, they lead to escalating tensions in the region, increasing the likelihood of further violence between Palestinians and Israelis.