Palestine marks today the 29th anniversary of the Israeli massacre in Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in occupied Hebron, during which an Israeli settler killed 29 Palestinian worshipers.
On February 29, 1994, Baruch Goldstein, an Israeli extremist settler, opened fire at hundreds of Palestinian worshipers while praying the noon prayer at Al-Ibrahimi Mosque.
The shooting attack killed 29 Palestinian worshipers and injured at least 150 others before the survivors attacked and killed Goldstein.
For hours, Israeli occupation forces closed the doors of the mosque, preventing medics from reaching the scene to evacuate the massacred and injured ones.
Attacking mourners and protesters
The Israeli crime triggered mass demonstrations across occupied Palestine. Palestinian masses took to the streets to condemn Israeli crime.
The protests were met with more violence and suppression. Israeli forces attacked mourners and protesters and killed dozens.
At the end of the day following the massacre, the number of Palestinian victims due to the Israeli violence reached about 60. Hundreds of others were reported injured.
Several demonstrations took place in Arab and Muslim countries, denouncing the crime and calling for accountability.
No Accountability
Despite multiple condemnations by Arab and International forums, Israeli occupation authorities argued that Goldstein was insane and was receiving treatment.
Thus, Israel didn’t take measures to stop the settlers’ crimes, escaping the legal responsibility for this crime.
On March 14, 1994, the United Nations Security Council expressed shock and condemned the ‘appalling massacre’ committed against Palestinian worshippers in the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.
The UNSC statement called on Israel to implement measures to confiscate arms from Israeli settlers with ‘the aim of preventing illegal acts of violence by Israeli settlers’.
The 29th anniversary of the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque massacre came this year while Palestinians survive the most outrageous wave of violence by Israeli settlers and forces.
Earlier in 2023, the Israeli far-right-wing government adopted new decisions to give more arms to Israeli settlers, giving a green light for continuing the bloodbath in Palestine.
Orchestrated Crime
The massacre of the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque went beyond the Israeli violence of killing Palestinians. It was rather a plan by the Israeli authorities to impose a new reality on the Mosque.
Following the massacre, Israeli occupation authorities closed Al-Ibrahimi Mosque for 6 months under the pretext of holding investigations.
Moreover, the Israeli occupation divided the Ibrahimi Mosque and transferred 60% of the mosque area space to a synagogue for settlers.
Tight security measures were imposed on Palestinians’ entry to the mosque, and electronic gates were placed at its entrances.
It has been 29 years since the massacre took place. Israeli occupation forces and settlers regularly attack Palestinians in occupied Hebron and prevent them from entering the mosque.
Settlers currently control 60% of the Al-Ibrahimi Mosque. Israeli forces routinely prevent Adhan (the call to prayer) in the mosque.
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