The rally also marked the fourth day of confrontations between Palestinians and the Israeli Army, erupted following Netanyahu’s decision to add Ibrahimi Mosque to a list of national heritage sites. Since Monday, Israeli forces have increased deployment in Hebron’s old City and around the Mosque. On Thursday early morning some internationals were denied to enter the city from the main check-point, and all the area was declared “closed military zone”.
Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative, participated in Thursday prayers at Ibrahimi mosque, as an act of solidarity with the city and its residents, on the day of the anniversary of Goldstein’s massacre. Deploring the act as provocative and aggressive, Barghouti stated "the Israeli decision to consider Ibrahimi Mosque (in Hebron) and Rachel’s Tomb (in Bethlehem) as Israeli heritage sites is unacceptable."
Protesters marched from Hebron’s municipality to Ash’ Shuhada, holding flags and posters, chanting slogans for the re-opening of the street, which before 1994 was the former sight of the fruit market.
As the protestors arrived at the southern entrance of Al Shuhada Street, Israeli Army fired sound grenades and tear gas canisters, dispersing the crowd. A few elderly protesters fainted and were evacuated by ambulance. Dozens were treated for teargas inhalation. Organisers reported 5 Palestinians were hospitalised.