TULKARM, September 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs today condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ designation of several areas in Tulkarm governorate as archaeological sites under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Antiquities Authority, saying the measures target waqf lands and serve colonial and expansionist plans.
The ministry specifically condemned the designation of Maqam Banat Yaqub, literally meaning “the Daughters of Jacob,” in the Irtah suburb, south of Tulkarm, as an archaeological site, noting that the site is located on waqf land.
In a statement, the ministry said the measure is part of the Israeli occupation’s policy of seizing waqf lands in service of colonial and expansionist plans.
The ministry called on international and human rights organizations to urgently intervene to halt these violations and protect waqf lands and properties from seizure.
Earlier today, Israeli occupation forces posted notices in several areas south and east of Tulkarm city announcing the seizure of lands and their designation as archaeological areas, citing the presence of archaeological sites there.
Local sources said that the occupation forces raided the area of the Banat Yacoub Shrine park in the Irtah suburb and posted notices announcing the seizure of the site and its classification as an archaeological area.
During their raid of the Abu Yassin hamlet in Iktaba village, east of Tulkarm, the occupation forces also posted similar notices announcing the seizure of large areas of land in the area under the pretext that archaeological sites are located there.
Local sources further reported that the occupation forces posted notices in the Kafa area, south of Tulkarm, citing the presence of archaeological sites, as well as in Al-Hafasi village.
These measures come as Israeli occupation forces continue to intensify their military measures in Tulkarm governorate, accompanied by restrictions on residents and limitations on their movement and access to their lands and properties.
T.R.
