HEBRON, March 27, 2025 (WAFA) – Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Mustafa Najem, confirmed today that for the fourth consecutive Friday, the Israeli occupation authorities have refused to hand over the Ibrahimi Mosque along with its facilities, courtyards, and gates to Palestinian authorities.

In a press statement, Minister Najem emphasized that the Ministry of Awqaf had rejected accepting the mosque while excluding one of its key sections. He stated that doing so would be tantamount to acknowledging the Israeli occupation's actions, a position the Ministry has consistently held since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. 

He stressed that the Ministry is committed to this stance until the Israeli occupation retracts its violations, which hinder Muslims' right to pray in the mosque's entire compound, including its courtyards, prayer halls, and corridors.

Najem also called on the Palestinian people to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque by increasing their presence there and heading to the mosque tomorrow, Friday, to reaffirm its identity and safeguard it from the occupation's plans.

The Ibrahimi Mosque is located in the Old City of Hebron, which is under Israeli occupation. It is home to around 400 illegal Israeli colonists guarded by approximately 1,500 Israeli soldiers.

In 1994, following a massacre by an extremist colonist that killed 29 Palestinian worshipers, Israel divided the mosque, allocating 63% of its area to Jews, including the prayer room, and 37% to Muslims.

It is customary for the mosque to be fully opened to Muslims only 10 days a year, including Fridays during the holy month of Ramadan.

M.N