A long-shuttered holy site in the West Bank, which has been a flashpoint in disputes over religious and territorial control, has been reopened but restricted to Israeli visitors only, escalating concerns over access and sovereignty. The move comes amid heightened tensions between communities with deep historical and spiritual ties to the location, where a mosque has long been a symbol of shared heritage and contested authority. Authorities have framed the decision as a security measure, though critics argue it risks further inflaming sensitivities in an already volatile region. The development underscores the broader struggle over governance and religious freedom in an area where access to sacred spaces remains a politically charged issue.
Contested West Bank holy site is reopened exclusively for Israelis, deepening tensions over control of the mosque.
