Cave of the Patriarchs "is a purely Islamic heritage site, to which non-Muslims have no right whatsoever" says PA religious leader

Headline: “Al-Habbash: We will resist the occupation’s steps at the Ibrahimi Mosque”

“Supreme Shari’ah Judge of Palestine and [PA] President [Mahmoud Abbas’] Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash said: ‘We will resist all the Israeli plans and steps that desecrate our holy sites, including the Ibrahimi Mosque (i.e., Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hebron.’

In a statement, Al-Habbash condemned the occupation’s steps at the Ibrahimi Mosque and its surroundings, the latest of which was the construction of an elevator next to the Cave of the Patriarchs building (refers to a project for handicapped accessibility to the site –Ed.)…

He emphasized that the Ibrahimi Mosque is a purely Islamic heritage site, to which non-Muslims have no right whatsoever, as was recognized by the resolutions of UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

Al-Habbash emphasized that Hebron, and especially the area of the Ibrahimi Mosque, have been suffering for years from the occupation’s brutal and organized attack, whose goal is to Judaize the site and expel the Palestinians who are the owners of the land and the right…

Al-Habbash asked our people to increase the presence in the old city [of Hebron], to visit the Ibrahimi Mosque, to shop in its markets, and to visit the Palestinian institutions there in order to emphasize the Islamicness and the Palestinianess of the site.”

Mahmoud Al-Habbash also serves as Chairman of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah Justice. In August 2019 PA Chairman Abbas dismissed all his advisors by Presidential decree. It is unclear what their status is today.