Storm in a teacup: Palestinian minister dips prayer beads in water for a girl - and resigns

Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mohammed Najm, resigned after a video surfaced showing him dipping prayer beads into a glass of water and offering it to a girl. The Palestinian government accepted the resignation but did not state the reason. The video sparked criticism over religious and hygienic conduct, alongside links to economic crises.

The Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mohammed Najm, submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister, and it was accepted today (Thursday, October 15, 2026). The controversy began following a video circulated online, in which Najm is seen dipping prayer beads into a glass of water and offering it to the girl. The video was described as a "ruqya" — a prayer for healing and protection. The Palestinian government media center confirmed receipt of the resignation but did not state its reason or address the video. According to the newspaper "Al-Hadath," opponents of the minister questioned the religious basis for the act and argued it was unbecoming of someone in his position. Others raised hygienic concerns. Some criticism linked the incident to the economic crises of the Palestinian public. Conversely, supporters of the minister described the act as a paternal and spontaneous gesture, related to folk customs. In an official statement by the Wafa news agency, it was reported that the Prime Minister thanked Najm for his efforts.