RAMALLAH, August 3, 2026 (WAFA) — The Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs issued a detailed report documenting the escalation of Israeli violations against Islamic holy sites during July. The report confirmed 27 incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in addition to the prevention of the call to prayer (Adhan) 155 times at the Ibrahimi Mosque, as part of an escalating campaign targeting freedom of worship and holy sites.
The report said that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound witnessed large-scale incursions by groups of colonists through the Mughrabi Gate under heavy protection. Among those participating were Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, members of the Knesset, and leaders of Temple Mount advocacy groups.
Talmudic prayers, "epic prostration," the wearing of tefillin (prayer shawls), and the raising of Israeli flags were observed, in addition to the introduction of stones into the courtyards and the erection of a permanent canopy in the eastern area to serve the intruders—a first since 1967.
The courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque also witnessed unprecedented behavior, including a colonist holding an engagement ceremony with rituals in Hebrew. This coincided with tightened measures imposed by Israeli authorities on worshippers and staff of the Islamic Waqf, particularly on Fridays.
The measures included raids around the Al-Qibli Prayer Hall and the Dome of the Rock, as well as the temporary detention of Jerusalem Grand Mufti and Al-Aqsa preacher Sheikh Mohammad Hussein.
In Hebron, Israeli authorities continued to impose restrictions on movement within the Ibrahimi Mosque compound, preventing the call to prayer 155 times last month under security pretexts. At least 195 soldiers stormed the mosque, while the eastern gate remained closed and the Ashraf Zawiya (a corner of the Ibrahimi Mosque) was repeatedly raided since the beginning of 2025.
The report also noted that several mosques were targeted, with three mosques being burned: Al-Taqwa Mosque in Masafer Yatta, Al-Kour Al-Qadim Mosque in Tulkarm, and Qusra Mosque in Nablus. These attacks caused significant material damage. Additionally, the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Mosque in Beit Ummar was stormed and its facilities vandalized.
The Ministry concluded by warning that these measures are aimed at imposing a new reality at Islamic holy sites and called upon the international community and human rights and humanitarian organizations to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities and intervene immediately to stop the violations and preserve the existing historical and legal status quo.
Y.S
