The Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union on Monday strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to transfer administrative and supervisory authority over the holy Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and Hebron Municipality to the so-called "Jewish Religious Council."

Key Reactions:

1. Union President's Statement:

   • Algerian National People's Assembly President Ibrahim Boughali declared: "This scheme represents a blatant violation of the Palestinian people's religious and cultural rights, poses a serious threat to regional security and stability, and provokes the feelings of Muslims worldwide."

   • He called on the international community to "fulfill its moral and legal responsibilities to preserve the historical and legal status quo at the Ibrahimi Mosque and all holy sites in occupied Palestinian territories."

   • The Union "categorically rejects these criminal schemes aimed at erasing Palestinian identity."

2. Israeli Newspaper Revelation:

   • Israel Hayom newspaper revealed plans for an "unprecedented step" to alter the status quo at the Ibrahimi Mosque by:

     • Withdrawing authorities from Hebron Municipality

     • Transferring control to the religious council of Kiryat Arba settlement (built on confiscated Hebron land)

Contextual Analysis:

• Legal Violations:

  • Breaches the 1997 Hebron Protocol (H1/H2 division)

  • Defies UNESCO World Heritage Convention (Hebron's protected status)

  • Violates international humanitarian law (Geneva Convention Article 53)

• Political Implications:

  • First formal transfer of Islamic waqf authority to settler bodies

  • Follows increased settler violence (400+ incidents recorded in 2023 by UNOCHA)

  • Threatens to inflame tensions during Ramadan preparations