Palestinians Mark Eid al-Adha 2026 Amid Israeli Occupation

A small number of Palestinians performed Eid al-Adha prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, in the occupied West Bank, on Wednesday (27 May). Israeli occupation forces closed the mosque gates and checked worshippers at the entrance, forcing some to leave for other mosques after delays, according to Anadolu correspondent. Israeli troops also fired stun grenades near the mosque, causing panic among approximately 300 worshippers. ‘Eid al-Adha is the most significant Muslim holiday, but occupation forces have closed the gates of the Ibrahimi Mosque and fired stun grenades at worshippers,’ said Hebron Governor Khaled Dudin to Anadolu. Dudin stated that worshippers did not exceed 30% of usual numbers and described the situation as ‘religious terror’ within the mosque. ‘It is our duty to remain steadfast, resilient, and present at the Ibrahimi Mosque to protect this 4,000-year-old Islamic historical structure,’ he said. The mosque is located in Hebron’s Old City, under full Israeli occupation control, where approximately 400 Israeli settlers reside under the protection of around 1,500 occupation soldiers. In 1994, Israeli occupation forces divided 63% of the mosque for Jewish worshippers and 37% for Muslims following a massacre by a Jewish settler that killed 29 Palestinian worshippers. The mosque was previously fully accessible to Muslims during religious events, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but access has been increasingly restricted in recent years. Since the Israeli occupation’s genocide in Gaza in October 2023, the West Bank has witnessed increased attacks by soldiers and illegal settlers. Israeli occupation forces have killed approximately 1,200 Palestinians, injured over 12,600, and displaced 33,000 in the West Bank, according to Palestinian government media office figures. In Bethlehem, southern West Bank, Palestinians performed Eid al-Adha prayers at Manger Square in the city centre. Bethlehem Mufti Sheikh Abdul Majid Amarna told Anadolu during prayers that ‘this year’s Eid al-Adha message is that this nation cannot be uprooted or controlled despite enemies’ efforts.’ ‘The Palestinian people have made great sacrifices and will remain steadfast despite restrictions and sieges,’ he said. This year, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza continue to observe Eid al-Adha under pressure from war, blockades, and Israeli military escalation. However, he said the current situation is vastly different. Eid al-Adha, traditionally celebrated over four days, has lost its meaning. It is understandable that condemnations come from leaders of many nations. But is condemnation enough? Can Israel be pressured solely by words? The ‘TEMU Kangen’ virtual initiative connects Indonesian host families with Gaza orphans who maintain hope amid the humanitarian crisis. Gaza death toll has reached 72,783 as of 23 May 2026, with women and children forming the majority of casualties in an ongoing crisis. Adalah claims to have received ‘official confirmation’ from Israeli prison authorities and government officials regarding all detained activists. At the event, Randi Zulmariadi stated that Eid al-Adha is not merely an annual ritual but also teaches values of sincerity and togetherness. He also presented national data showing a trend of increased public participation in sacrificial rituals. Eid al-Adha prayers led by Ustaz Sahid Darajat carried the theme ‘Eid al-Adha: A Moment for Sacrifice, Weaving Togetherness and Care for Others’. According to him, neighbours who learned that all the cows were purchased by Cabinet Secretary Teddy initially questioned it. Subsequently, they offered their own cows. OWL Eyewear Indonesia has launched its CSR programme ‘Give Your Vision a Second Life’ at Yos Sudarso Orphanage on 9 May 2026.