Palestinian Ministry Condemns Israel's Seizure of Tulkarm Shrine Control

TULKARM, West Bank — The Palestinian Endowments Ministry on Sunday denounced a move by Israeli authorities to place a historic Muslim shrine in the northern West Bank under the jurisdiction of the Israel Antiquities Authority, accusing the state of seizing Islamic endowment land for settlement expansion.

The dispute centers on the administration of the shrine located in Tulkarm, a city in the occupied territories. Palestinian officials stated that the transfer of control represents a direct violation of international law and an attempt to erase Islamic heritage from the site. The ministry described the action as part of a broader pattern of Israeli efforts to appropriate waqf properties, which are religious endowments dedicated to charitable or religious purposes under Islamic law.

Israeli officials have not issued a detailed public statement regarding the specific timeline of the takeover but have historically justified similar administrative changes as necessary for the preservation of national heritage and archaeological sites. Under current Israeli military and civil administration in Area C of the West Bank, the Israel Antiquities Authority holds significant power over land designation and excavation permits.

The Palestinian Endowments Ministry warned that placing the shrine under Israeli antiquities control paves the way for construction projects that could alter the site's religious character. Critics argue that such moves are often precursors to settlement expansion, a process that has intensified in recent years despite international condemnation. The ministry called on the international community to intervene and halt what it termed an illegal land grab.

Local residents in Tulkarm expressed deep concern over the decision, fearing that the shift in authority could restrict access for worshippers or lead to physical changes at the shrine. Community leaders have organized protests demanding the immediate reversal of the administrative order and the restoration of full Palestinian control over the endowment.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension over land rights and religious sites in the West Bank, where competing claims over history and ownership often fuel diplomatic friction. While Israel maintains that its antiquities laws apply to all archaeological finds within its effective control, Palestinian authorities insist that Islamic waqf lands are inviolable and subject only to Palestinian administration.

As of Sunday evening, no formal legal challenge had been filed in Israeli courts regarding the specific transfer of authority, though Palestinian officials indicated that diplomatic channels were being activated. The situation remains fluid, with observers watching closely to see if the move will trigger further escalations or lead to a negotiated administrative arrangement. Questions remain regarding the immediate future of the shrine's management and whether the decision will be extended to other religious sites in the region.