The Mizan Human Rights Organization in Nazareth has petitioned the court to compel the “Israel Land Authority” to issue a work order for the restoration and maintenance of the historic Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi Mosque in the depopulated village of Hittin. The mosque suffers from structural cracks that threaten its collapse.

Attorney Mustafa Suhail Mahameed, representing Mizan, filed the lawsuit on behalf of the “Turan Waqf Committee,” demanding that the “Israel Land Authority” take immediate measures to preserve the mosque.

He clarified that the mosque is one of the historical landmarks predating the establishment of the State of Israel. Its land was confiscated from Islamic endowments, making the “Israel Land Authority” responsible for its maintenance. He added that decades of neglect have severely damaged the building, putting it at risk of collapse.

Attorney Mahameed pointed out that the “Turan Waqf Committee” had repeatedly called on the “Israel Land Authority” to restore the mosque. Despite repeated promises to carry out the work, no action has been taken. This neglect prompted the committee to file the lawsuit to ensure the mosque’s maintenance, as it falls under the responsibility of the “Israel Land Authority,” which registered ownership of the site after confiscating the land.

The lawsuit mentioned that the western wall of the historic mosque in Hittin collapsed in March due to rain. At that time, the “Turan Waqf Committee” inspected the damage alongside three officials from the “Israel Land Authority,” and it was agreed that restoration work would commence. However, no action was taken. By late October 2024, the committee sent an urgent letter to the “Israel Land Authority” demanding the start of the restoration, but no response was received, reflecting clear negligence in addressing the issue.