Arab League Council rejects changes to Ibrahimi Mosque status
It cited reported efforts to restrict access, silence the call to prayer, alter its features or disconnect it from its Palestinian context. The council held Israeli forces responsible for what it described as violations in this regard.
The council emphasized the importance of maintaining Palestinian administrative authority over the mosque and its vicinity, referring to it as an Islamic endowment overseen by the Palestinian Ministry of Islamic Endowments. It warned that Israeli actions at the site, which it characterized as attempts to assert control, are part of broader efforts to reshape the area. The council called on the international community to uphold and enforce relevant international resolutions.
The statement was issued in response to reported Israeli government plans to revoke the Hebron municipality's authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque and its surrounding area. The statement was released at the conclusion of a session of the council at the level of permanent representatives.
The meeting was chaired by Jordan, at the request of the State of Palestine and with the support of other member states. Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, along with permanent ambassadors from member states, were in attendance.
The council reiterated its support for the 2017 UNESCO decision that listed the Ibrahimi Mosque and the Old City of Hebron as World Heritage in Danger, stating that recent developments appear to contravene this designation.
It also stated that Israel does not possess sovereignty over Palestinian territories and heritage sites, warning that the Israeli plan represents a significant escalation that could alter the historical identity of the site and affect Palestinian cultural heritage. The council further warned of potential consequences for religious sites and regional stability.
The council called for adherence to the 1997 agreement signed between the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel, which provides that the administration of the Ibrahimi Mosque remains under the authority of the Hebron Municipality.
It condemned Israeli measures aimed at increasing control over parts of Hebron and the mosque, which the council said change the historical and legal status of the area and restrict Palestinian access. It urged the United Nations Secretary-General to take effective measures to ensure civilian protection in Hebron.
The council also stressed the need to send an urgent monitoring mission to Hebron, in line with previous decisions of the World Heritage Committee, to evaluate the situation on the ground. It called for renewed diplomatic efforts to document and monitor developments in and around the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Additionally, the council urged the UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories to investigate and report on the situation. It also requested that Arab League missions and councils of Arab ambassadors communicate the contents of the resolution to their host governments.
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