Israel seals Hebron with 106 iron gates, tightens grip on Ibrahimi Mosque
The Ibrahimi Mosque aka Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron on 17 June 2026
The Palestine Chronicle reports on 1 July 2026:
Key Developments
- Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin said Israel has sealed the governorate with 106 iron gates and blocked 16 roads with earth mounds.
- Palestinian officials accused Israel of seeking full control over the Ibrahimi Mosque through new administrative and infrastructure measures.
- Israeli authorities have prevented the Muslim call to prayer at the mosque for the past 10 days, according to the governor.
- Hebron authorities say more than 20 new settlement outposts have been established across the governorate.
Israeli occupation authorities have intensified restrictions across the occupied West Bank city of Hebron (Al Khalil), sealing the governorate with dozens of iron gates while taking additional steps that Palestinian officials say are aimed at asserting full Israeli control over the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Hebron Governor Khaled Dodin said Israeli authorities have installed 106 iron gates throughout the governorate and blocked 16 roads and entrances with earth mounds, further restricting Palestinian movement.
According to Dodin, the measures are part of a broader policy targeting the city and its residents through movement restrictions, settlement expansion and increasing military control.
‘Plan to Seize Control’
Dodin strongly condemned ongoing Israeli construction work on the roof of the Ibrahimi Mosque, saying the project continued for a second consecutive day despite Palestinian objections. He said the works are part of “a plan aimed at imposing a new reality that would enable Israel to seize control of the site.”
The governor accused Israeli authorities of gradually asserting full control over the mosque through successive administrative and infrastructure measures, including taking control of its electricity systems and water facilities.
“They have also prevented the call to prayer at the mosque for the past 10 days,” Dodin said.