Israel seizes planning powers over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque from Palestinians

The Israeli military has seized municipal powers over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque from Palestinians in a move widely seen as undermining Islamic administration of the site.

On Wednesday, the Israeli Civil Administration, a military body overseeing the occupied West Bank, announced it had transferred planning powers from the Palestinian Authority-run Hebron Municipality to its own Supreme Planning Council. 

The move was followed by the granting of permission to construct a roof over the mosque's internal courtyard, despite fierce Palestinian opposition.

Hebron Municipality condemned the decision, calling it a "serious and illegal violation" and part of a systemic attack on the status quo at the mosque and the powers of Palestinian authorities tasked with its management.

“This is a clear violation of international law and existing agreements,” the municipality said, accusing Israel of stripping Palestinian institutions of their planning and construction rights in favour of the Israeli Civil Administration.

Read more: Israel seizes planning powers over Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque from Palestinians