WEST BANK, (PIC)
Majid Abu Qtaish, a leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said that the ongoing Israeli aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Ibrahimi Mosque, along with the escalating incursions, represent a continuation of the Israel war against all Islamic holy sites.
In a press statement on Saturday, Abu Qtaish emphasized that these serious violations, especially the recent incursion by the Israeli “terrorist minister Ben Gvir” into the Ibrahimi Mosque, show a blatant disregard for the feelings of millions of Muslims, given the significant religious symbolism of the mosques, which hold a special place in the hearts of every devoted Muslim.
He added that the protection provided by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) to the settler groups entering Al-Aqsa and Ibrahimi Mosques, as well as their performances of dances and Talmudic rituals, reflect the Israeli intention of complete control over both mosques, as corroborated by images published by alleged Temple groups days ago.
Abu Qtaish pointed out that the mosques and religious sites of both Islam and Christianity are prime targets for desecration by settlers, which necessitates maintaining a continuous presence and effort to protect them from the dangers of judaization and destruction.
He called on the people of the West Bank and Jerusalem to persist in their resistance against the IOF and settlers, stressing the importance of ongoing mobilization and presence at Al-Aqsa and Ibrahimi mosques to prevent the occupation from isolating and desecrating them.
He asserted, “Our people are free and proud; they do not surrender or weaken, no matter the sacrifices, and no matter how brutal the occupation and its aggression become. They will remain engaged in the blessed battle for Al-Aqsa until the occupier is expelled from their land and holy sites.”
Hamas considered that the Israeli aggression and plans against Al-Aqsa and the Ibrahimi mosques have reached extremely dangerous levels, “prompting our steadfast people in the West Bank to rise up and break this cycle of terrorism and arrogance.”
The Movement called on the youth of the West Bank to continue confronting the Israeli projects and settlers, ensuring they pay a price for the crimes and violations they commit.
Last night, thousands of settlers, including the Israeli National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in al-Khalil, performing dances and Talmudic rituals inside.
The IOF soldiers closed the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshippers, allowing only Jewish settlers to enter under the pretext of Jewish holidays. They also closed the Old City and imposed a curfew in several neighborhoods in preparation for the settlers’ incursions, which saw thousands of them storming the streets of the Old City and around the Mosque, using the roads of Jabir Neighborhood, Wadi Al-Hussein, and Al-Salayma.