Hebron Governor Khaled Dodeen on Tuesday warned that Israeli activities at the Ibrahimi Mosque are escalating, saying ongoing construction works risk altering the site’s historic and religious character and consolidating Israeli control.

Speaking at a press conference, Dodeen said works to roof the mosque’s central courtyard, now in their second consecutive day, are part of what he described as a broader policy aimed at changing the status quo at the site.

He said the measures are being carried out within a wider framework supported by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

According to Dodeen, Israeli authorities have recently intensified control over the mosque by taking over key infrastructure, including electricity and water systems, while also restricting the Muslim call to prayer for the past ten days and imposing additional limitations on Palestinian access and movement.

He added that a joint Palestinian plan involving the Hebron governorate, municipality, rehabilitation committee and other institutions has been launched to reinforce Palestinian presence at the site and to increase diplomatic pressure to halt the measures.

Dodeen also accused Israeli authorities of expanding restrictions across Hebron, including the installation of 106 iron gates, the closure of 16 roads and entrances with earth mounds, and the establishment of more than 20 settlement outposts in the surrounding area.

He further said the governorate has documented 763 incidents of settler violence against Palestinians, including assaults, shootings and damage to property.

The governor also alleged that restrictions on water supply and control over infrastructure have worsened the humanitarian situation in the city.

On Monday, Israeli forces reportedly began installing suspended steel structures over the open courtyard of the Ibrahimi Mosque using heavy machinery.

Earlier this month, Smotrich announced the cancellation of the Al-Khalil Agreement, stating that planning and construction authority in Hebron had been transferred to the Israeli Civil Administration under the military.

He described the move as a “historic” decision, saying it effectively shifts authority over planning in the city and parts of the occupied West Bank to Israeli-controlled institutions.

Palestinian officials have warned that the measures could significantly alter the character of Hebron, deepen Israeli control over the city, and contribute to what they describe as de facto annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. (ILKHA)