Story perspectives

Israel Closes Palestinian Cultural Center Amid Ramadan Tensions

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered a six-month closure of Burj al-Luqluq community center in Jerusalem, citing alleged terrorism links.
Police evacuated the center and welded shut its doors.
The move coincides with Ramadan and signals a broader effort to counter activities deemed harmful to the state.
The center, which promotes Palestinian identity, plans to contest the closure legally, calling it arbitrary and a threat to Palestinian cultural institutions.

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Story summary

The Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ordered a six-month closure of Burj al-Luqluq community center in Jerusalem, citing alleged terrorism links.
Police evacuated the center and welded shut its doors.
The move coincides with Ramadan and signals a broader effort to counter activities deemed harmful to the state.
The center, which promotes Palestinian identity, plans to contest the closure legally, calling it arbitrary and a threat to Palestinian cultural institutions.