Israeli authorities successfully gain access to a significant historical site located within the West Bank region.
Israeli forces bolster security as Israeli settlers make a pilgrimage to an ancient landmark in Hebron, West Bank, during the Jewish Passover holiday on April 16, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)
The politically charged atmosphere surrounding Israeli settlers' visits to Hebron's historical sites during Passover has escalated, with stringent security measures in place. Let's delve into some notable occurrences:
Key Incidents
- Ibrahimi Mosque Lockdown:
- Israeli troops shuttered the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers for two days during Passover, granting Israeli settlers the opportunity to celebrate there instead[2][4][5].
- This action was instated as part of security protocols, thus denying Palestinians access to the site during this period.[5]
- Settlement Expansion:
- The Old City of Hebron, containing roughly 400 settlers and escorted by approximately 1,500 Israeli soldiers[2][5], falls under Israeli control.
- The split of the Ibrahimi Mosque in 1994 follows a massacre, with Israel appropriating 63% for Jewish use and leaving 37% for Muslim use[2].
- Heightened Security and Tensions:
- Israeli authorities enforced rigorous security in Hebron and other historical sites to accommodate settlers' visits, precipitating an increase in tensions[1][3].
- In Jerusalem, thousands of Israeli settlers flooded the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, reciting Jewish prayers and rituals while Palestinians were barred due to security concerns[3].
- Al-Aqsa Mosque Disturbances:
- During Passover, hundreds of Israeli settlers invaded the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, igniting security apprehensions and aggravating existing fissures with Palestinian communities.[2][3]
In summary, the religious journey of Israeli settlers to Hebron's historical sites, particularly during Jewish holidays like Passover, continue to fan the flames of conflict. The implementation of strict security measures and the subsequent restrictions on Palestinian access contribute to the volatile political landscape.
- During Passover in 2025, Israeli settlers visited Hebron's historical sites, triggering increased security measures, with authorities tightening restrictions in the Ibrahimi Mosque to allow settlers exclusive access while denying Palestinians for two days [2][4][5].
- As Israeli settlers descended upon the Old City of Hebron during Passover in 2025, Israeli forces controlled the area, housing around 400 settlers and stationing approximately 1,500 troops for their protection [2][5].
- In the tense political climate of 2025, Israeli settlers converged at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during Passover, causing disturbances and escalating tensions with Palestinian communities as they recited Jewish prayers and rituals while Palestinians were barred [3].
- Amid the unrest in 2025, Israeli settlers' visits to ancient landmarks during war-and-conflicts-related events like Passover perpetuate the volatile political situation, impacting both general news and politics.
