IDF forces and Israeli settlers raided the A-Ras Mosque in Hebron on Friday, expelling worshippers and preventing morning prayers, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA. The report said Israeli flags were hung on walls and roof, and loud Hebrew music was played in the courtyard.

The Palestinian Ministry of Waqf and Religious Affairs condemned the incident, calling it “serious escalation” in attacks on places of worship in Hebron.

Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the cave of Patriarchs, in the old city of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, last week.Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the cave of Patriarchs, in the old city of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, last week.Close

Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the cave of Patriarchs, in the old city of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, last week. Credit: Mussa Qawasma/REUTERS

Ibrahimi mosque, also known as the cave of Patriarchs, in the old city of Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, last week. Credit: Mussa Qawasma/REUTERS

Palestinian and Waqf officials said Israeli authorities have prevented the Muslim Waqf from activating the muezzin call at the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the Cave of the Patriarchs for five days, citing maintenance in the central courtyard. Officials said Mosque Director Mu’taz Abu Sanina and head of staff services were removed for 12 days, the third such removal recently. Abu Sanina said entry for Waqf personnel is restricted and prayers delayed, with worshippers sometimes allowed only after scheduled prayer time, and alleged physical changes beyond maintenance. The Waqf ministry also condemned the actions.

The escalation comes after Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced earlier this month that planning and construction authority in parts of Hebron had been transferred from the Hebron Municipality to the Civil Administration, following a cabinet decision last February. The Civil Administration Supreme Planning Council approved authority changes over eight sites, including the Cave of Patriarchs, Jewish burial sites in H2, and the tomb of Othniel ben Kenaz in H1.

Palestinians wait at an Israeli checkpoint as they head for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of Patriarchs, in the old West Bank city of Hebron, last week.Palestinians wait at an Israeli checkpoint as they head for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of Patriarchs, in the old West Bank city of Hebron, last week.Close

Palestinians wait at an Israeli checkpoint as they head for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of Patriarchs, in the old West Bank city of Hebron, last week. Credit: Ammar Awad/REUTERS

Palestinians wait at an Israeli checkpoint as they head for prayer at the Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of Patriarchs, in the old West Bank city of Hebron, last week. Credit: Ammar Awad/REUTERS

The IDF has not responded.