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The Day · Friday 12 December 2025

Filed 13:49 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · West Bank

13:13–15:51Afternoon

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Occupation Forces Expel Worshippers from Mosque West of Ramallah

Occupation forces compelled worshippers to leave a mosque located west of Ramallah. The incident reflects continued interventions by occupying troops in religious affairs. Eyewitnesses reported forced evacuation without further detail available. The reasons behind the action remain undisclosed, and there were no immediate statements from the involved parties.

AL BIREH, WEST BANK – DECEMBER 9: Israeli soldiers surround the Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque, restricted movement, and questioned Palestinian worshippers during a raid in Al Bireh, West Bank on December 9, 2025. ( Issam Rimawi – Anadolu Agency )

In a continued pattern of intervention in religious life across the occupied Palestinian territories, occupation forces compelled worshippers to leave a mosque west of Ramallah. The incident occurred amid already heightened tensions in various areas of the West Bank, as residents continue to face incursions and disruptions to their daily and spiritual practices.

According to local sources, the forces entered the mosque and ordered all present to vacate the premises. The nature of the intervention or any justification provided by the occupation forces has not been disclosed. Witnesses described the scene as abrupt and distressing, noting that the worshippers were forced to leave despite the ongoing prayer time.

West of Ramallah, mosques serve not only as places of worship but also as social and community anchors. Disruptions to prayer gatherings and religious activities have significant implications for the community’s cohesion and morale. The forced removal of worshippers adds another layer to the challenges faced by Palestinians in maintaining their religious practices under occupation.

Meanwhile, local residents have expressed concern over the repeated presence of occupation forces in civilian areas, especially during times of worship. No statement has been issued by the occupying military command concerning the motives or outcomes of the operation inside the mosque.

In addition, this reported action occurs in a broader context marked by increased restrictions on movement, assembly, and religious expression in the West Bank. While this specific case involves a mosque west of Ramallah, similar incidents have been reported previously in other parts of the occupied territories, reflecting what residents view as a systematic pattern affecting not only physical space but the spiritual life of the Palestinian people.

From its side, the local community has reiterated calls for international observers and human rights bodies to monitor such actions and their impact on religious freedom. The enforced evacuation of worshippers without stated cause, particularly within a place of worship, raises concerns among advocates and civil society groups, even though further details of the incident remain limited at this time.

No injuries or arrests were reported during the incident. The atmosphere in the area remained tense following the expulsion, as worshippers regrouped outside the mosque, uncertain of when they would be allowed to return. The lack of official comment from either side has left questions unanswered, including whether similar actions are expected in the coming days.

The community west of Ramallah continues to document and report such incidents as part of broader efforts to preserve the right to worship under occupation. This development contributes to a growing archive of firsthand accounts emerging from the West Bank, shedding light on the daily realities faced by Palestinians under military presence.

12 Dec, 13:49

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