Israel Begins Settlement Construction on Historic Hebron Municipality Building

Israeli authorities have commenced illegal settlement construction activities on the roof of the historic Hebron municipality building in the Ein Al-Askar area of the Old City in the southern West Bank. The Hebron Municipality confirmed the development, stating that the works aim to impose a new status quo in violation of local and international laws. The building, which has been closed under an Israeli military order for years, is recognized as a major historical landmark within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hebron’s Old City. Municipal officials condemned the construction as part of an ongoing settlement expansion policy targeting the city's holy sites and cultural heritage. They warned that such alterations violate international conventions protecting cultural and human heritage. The municipality has called for immediate intervention from local and international institutions, including rights and humanitarian organizations, to halt the assault on the site. Furthermore, they vowed to pursue legal action through all available channels to hold those responsible accountable. This incident highlights continued tensions in Hebron, which remains divided under the 1997 Hebron Protocol, with Israel retaining control over the H2 zone containing the Old City.