Palestinian Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Muhammad Mustafa Najm, confirmed today, Friday, that the Zionist enemy authorities have refused, for the second consecutive Friday, to hand over the Ibrahimi Mosque, including its facilities, courtyards, and gates.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Awqaf, the refusal to open the eastern gate was made for the second time, which led the ministry to refuse to receive the mosque without one of its important parts, as this would constitute an acknowledgment of this violation.

The ministry had already stated its position on this matter last Friday night, and "will maintain this position until the enemy retracts its positions that violate the rights of Muslims to pray in their sanctuary, including all its courtyards, prayer areas, and corridors."

Minister Najm stated that "the Ministry of Awqaf will work to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque, preserve it, and monitor its affairs, along with the official and civil institutions of the Hebron Governorate, with the full support of the Palestinian government, where Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa follows up on the issue of the Mosque on a daily basis."

He emphasized that "there is an urgent need to work to stop the violations of this enemy, which has begun to overstep even its legal authority in dealing with the Mosque and its affairs. This places the Ibrahimi Mosque within the circle of Israeli targeting to seize it and transform it into a Talmudic synagogue.

This disregards the exclusive right of Muslims to sovereignty over it and control its affairs, both internally and externally. It is an indisputable Waqf property, and the daily violations and attacks perpetrated by this enemy will not diminish it."

He called on the international community to "assume its responsibilities and stop this enemy from its daily violations and constant attempts to seize control of the Ibrahimi Mosque."

He called on the Palestinian people in general, and in the Hebron Governorate in particular, to remain at the Mosque and visit it daily, especially on Fridays, as this presence affirms Palestinian and Islamic rights.