Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Najm confirmed that the occupation authorities have refused, for the third consecutive Friday, to hand over the Ibrahimi Mosque, including its facilities, courtyards, and gates. They have also refused to open the eastern gate for the second time.

Najm said in a statement issued Thursday evening that the ministry refused to receive the sanctuary without one of its important parts, as this would be an admission of this deficiency. The ministry had already stated its position on this matter since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and it will maintain this position until the occupation retracts its positions that violate the rights of Muslims to pray in their sanctuary with all its courtyards, prayer areas, and corridors.

Najm called on the international community to halt the occupation's attacks, which have become a permanent practice. Failure to do so will lead to the control of the compound by settlers who are working to transform it into a Talmudic synagogue.

The Minister of Endowments called on the Palestinian people to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque by being present there and making the pilgrimage there tomorrow, Friday, as this affirms the identity of the mosque and protects it from the occupation's plans.