Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Najm confirmed that the occupation forces have refused, for the fourth 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 fourth 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 defined 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 Palestinian people to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque by being present there and making their way there tomorrow, Friday, as this would affirm the identity of the mosque and protect it from the occupation's plans.