Hamas calls on Palestinians to congregate in defense of Al-Aqsa
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Hamas issues a call for Palestinians to defend Al-Aqsa after a member of the Israeli Knesset proposed the construction of a "third temple" to replace the Mosque complex in occupied al-Quds.
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Muslim worshippers gather for Friday prayers, next to al-Aqsa Mosque in al-Quds, on April 5, 2024. (AP)
Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas called on Palestinians to congregate in Al-Aqsa Mosque as of today's Friday prayers until Monday in defense of Al-Aqsa and to thwart the enemy's plan.
The movement added that the call comes to "abort the plans of the Zionist enemy and its extremist settler gangs and the so-called Temple group to desecrate the courtyards of Al-Aqsa and perform sacrificial rituals inside it on the upcoming Sunday and Monday."
Hamas also praised the masses in the occupied West Bank, the occupied Palestinian territories of 1948, and Palestinians remaining in Al-Quds and its surroundings who "proved that they are the first line of defense [for Al-Aqsa Mosque]."
The movement also commended Palestinians' commitment to the path of struggle and sacrifice, and expressed its support for their ongoing efforts to safeguard and defend al-Quds and Al-Aqsa, while standing firm against the endeavors of the oppressive occupation government and its perpetrators of war crimes, particularly Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Hamas called on the nations and the free peoples worldwide to employ all forms of solidarity and support for al-Quds, Al-Aqsa, and Gaza and to support the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people until the aggression is halted, rights are obtained, and Palestinian soil and sanctities are liberated.
The big picture
A member of the Israeli parliament, representing the far-right, proposed on Thursday the construction of a "third temple" to supplant Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied al-Quds, as per Anadolu Agency.
Yitzhak Pindrus, a member of the extremist United Torah Judaism Party, expressed his desire for all Jewish people to gather in al-Quds next Monday to conduct their Passover sacrifice during a television interview.
“We are hoping that soon the Third Temple will be built there, and we’ll be able to eat there from the Passover sacrifices,” he stressed.
Passover, an important Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt during the time of Prophet Moses, holds religious significance in the Jewish calendar. This year, it commences on the evening of April 22 and lasts until April 30.
Al-Aqsa is revered as one of the holiest sites for Muslims worldwide. Conversely, Jews refer to the area as the "Temple Mount", citing its historical significance as the location of two ancient Jewish temples.
The call made by the Knesset member is the most recent in a series of provocative statements and actions by Israeli officials regarding the holy Islamic site.
In a similar context, Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has included changes to the status quo at the site in his Ministry's formal action plans. His plan aims to alter the status quo at the Mosque by granting Israeli control over the site and allowing Jewish worshippers access, as reported by the Israeli public broadcaster, KAN.
Individuals who are not of the Muslim faith are permitted to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, as per an agreement that dates back to the Ottoman era. However, they are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of worship or prayer within the premises. This long-standing arrangement is intended to uphold the sanctity of the site for Muslims, who consider it one of the holiest places in Islam.
Despite this agreement, there have been many instances where Israeli occupation authorities have allowed Israeli settlers to raid the Mosque complex since 2003, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from Palestinians.
Al-Aqsa Mosque holds significant religious and historical importance, particularly as it has been at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War when "Israel" occupied east al-Quds. This occupation was further solidified in 1980 when "Israel" occupied the entire Palestinian city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.
