RAMALLAH, September 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the Israeli occupation forces' closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers—citing Jewish holidays—and the forced evacuation of the mosque’s custodians and staff, effective from 2:00 PM today until 10:00 PM tomorrow, Monday.

In a statement issued this Sunday evening, the Ministry emphasized that the situation at the Ibrahimi Mosque is extremely dangerous. It constitutes a blatant provocation of Muslim sentiments and an assault on freedom of worship, as well as on the mosque's religious and historical status, amidst ongoing occupation measures targeting worshippers and mosque staff.

The Ministry noted that occupation forces continue to ban the call to prayer (Adhan) at the Ibrahimi Mosque for the ninetieth consecutive day under flimsy pretexts. They restrict Muslim access to the mosque while granting settlers free rein to fully encroach upon the site during Jewish holidays, holding their prayers and celebrations within its corridors and courtyards.

The Ministry warned of the dangers posed by these continuing measures and called upon the international community, as well as human rights and religious organizations, to shoulder their responsibilities regarding the violations facing the Ibrahimi Mosque. It urged them to work toward ensuring freedom of worship and halting the attacks and measures that target the mosque, its sanctity, and the right of Muslims to access and pray within it.

K.T