Hebron: The Ministry of Religious Endowments and Affairs condemned the Israeli attempt to alter the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, following the reported removal of a canopy in the mosque's central courtyard. The removal is a precursor to a project aimed at installing a permanent roof over the area, which is viewed as a step towards implementing a controversial colonial project that threatens the integrity of the mosque's courtyard.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Ministry emphasized that this act of aggression reflects the audacity of the occupation, constituting a direct violation of the sacredness of the Ibrahimi Mosque. It is seen as an effort to change the mosque's Islamic, historical, and cultural characteristics by force, defying international laws and agreements designed to protect religious and archaeological sites.
The Ministry reiterated that the Ibrahimi Mosque is an Islamic endowment, including all its courtyards, arcades, and walls, and that the occupying forces have no legitimate right to interfere or modify any part of its structure. The Ministry expressed concerns that this Judaization project is part of the occupation's broader strategy to take full control over the Ibrahimi Mosque and convert it into a Jewish synagogue-a prospect that is firmly opposed.
Furthermore, the Ministry urged the international community, UNESCO, and human rights organizations worldwide to take immediate action to stop this colonial project from proceeding. They called for urgent intervention to prevent further violations and protect the mosque's Islamic heritage.
The Ministry also appealed to the Palestinian people in Hebron and beyond to increase their presence at the Ibrahimi Mosque, encouraging visits and continuous watchfulness to safeguard the site against the occupation's attempts to erase its Islamic identity.