Hebron, Occupied West Bank – Palestinian officials have expressed strong condemnation and issued stark warnings regarding recent Israeli actions concerning the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. The concerns revolve around what they describe as a direct threat to the holy site and a violation of international agreements.
The controversy stems from Israel’s rejection of an objection filed by the Hebron Municipality and the Ministry of Endowments (Waqf) regarding the transfer of authority over the mosque from the municipality to the so-called Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba settlement. This decision, initially made in February 2025, has ignited Palestinian anger.
Mu’taz Abu Sneineh, the director of the Ibrahimi Mosque, stated that Israeli authorities recently delivered a decision to seize the inner courtyard of the mosque, posting the order on the walls both inside and outside the complex. This follows a previous decision in mid-September to confiscate the “courtyard of the sanctuary” in preparation for the installation of a new roof.
Abu Sneineh emphasized that the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments, in collaboration with official institutions, submitted a legal objection and pursued the matter in Israeli courts. Furthermore, an official objection was lodged with UNESCO, considering the Ibrahimi Mosque’s status as a World Heritage Site.
He accused Israel of disregarding international conventions that prohibit altering religious and historical landmarks, asserting that the aim is to change the geographical and demographic characteristics of the mosque and establish complete control over it. He also noted the takeover of electricity and water systems.
Abu Sneineh called for an increased Palestinian presence at the mosque and urged engagement with human rights organizations, embassies, and consulates to exert pressure on Israel and prevent the ‘Judaization’ of the site.
Asma al-Sharbati, the acting mayor of Hebron, echoed these concerns, stating that the recent decision is part of a series of measures aimed at undermining the municipality’s authority after its refusal to accept any changes to the mosque’s features and the Old City. She added that Israel has submitted a request to the courts to convert the inner courtyard of the mosque into public property, a move that has been met with strong opposition.
The Ibrahimi Mosque, revered by both Muslims and Jews (who refer to it as the Tomb of the Patriarchs), has long been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
