Harare, (New Ziana) – The State of Palestine has strongly condemned what it described as attempts by Israel to alter the legal, historical and political status of Hebron, warning that such actions threaten regional stability and undermine prospects for peace.
In a statement, Ambassador Tamer Almassri rejected a recent decision by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to remove the Hebron Municipality’s authority over parts of the city, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, a site recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and listed as endangered.
“Ambassador Tamer Almassri rejects any attempt to alter the legal, historical, and political status quo of Hebron, and strongly condemns the decision by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to strip the Hebron Municipality of its authority over parts of the city, including the Ibrahimi Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as endangered.
The State of Palestine unequivocally reaffirms that Israel holds no sovereignty over Hebron or any Palestinian city,” said the ambassador.
He maintained that the Palestinian people’s connection to Hebron is rooted in historical rights, international law and an indigenous presence extending over thousands of years.
According to Ambassador Almassri, actions taken by Israel, including what he described as violations of signed agreements such as the 1997 Hebron Protocol, cannot alter the status of the city or diminish Palestinian sovereignty.
The ambassador also condemned the continued expansion of Israeli settlements across the West Bank and accused Israeli authorities of enabling ongoing violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians.
He said such developments were being encouraged by what he termed extremist elements within the Israeli government and warned that continued violations of international law without accountability risk worsening tensions in the region.
“Israel’s persistent violations of international law and continued enjoyment of impunity will only deepen instability, fuel further escalation and gravely undermine any prospects for a just and lasting peace,” Ambassador Almassri said.
The State of Palestine called on the international community to fulfil its obligations under international law by taking immediate and concrete measures to hold Israel accountable and safeguard Palestinian people, land and cultural heritage.
The statement comes amid continuing tensions across the occupied Palestinian territories and growing international attention on developments in Hebron and the broader West Bank.
