SAFA- Israeli occupation forces escalated restrictions in the western Bethlehem countryside on Saturday morning by storming a mosque in Husan village, banning the dawn (Fajr) call to prayer, and forcing worshippers out under threat of violence.

Security sources reported that Israeli soldiers raided the mosque during the call to prayer, blocked the muezzin, prevented the congregation from praying, and ordered everyone to evacuate. Officers then fired stun grenades and tear gas at the displaced worshippers outside, fueling intense local tension.

Simultaneously, the Israeli soldiers locked down the entire western Bethlehem region. They closed all entrances and gates leading to the Al-Arqoub villages, paralyzing local civilian movement.

 During the shutdown, troops assaulted a Palestinian man at the main gate separating Nahalin village from the rest of the Bethlehem governorate.

These severe measures are part of an ongoing Israeli campaign targeting Bethlehem-area towns through mosque raids, movement restrictions, and strict military checkpoints.

A monthly report issued by the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs on July 5 stated that Israeli occupation forces prevented the call to prayer (adhan) from being broadcast 84 times at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron during the previous month. The report also said that 950 Israeli soldiers entered the mosque during the same period.

The ministry said the ongoing violations against Islamic holy sites represent "a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international laws and conventions that guarantee freedom of worship and the protection of religious sites."

It called on the international community, as well as human rights and humanitarian organizations, to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities by taking action to halt these escalating violations and ensure the protection of Islamic holy places.

The occupied West Bank has witnessed a sharp increase in attacks by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers since October 2023. According to official Palestinian figures, as of July 7, the violence has resulted in the killing of 1,181 Palestinians, the injury of nearly 13,000 others, and the arrest of approximately 24,000 Palestinians.