Hamas denounces Israeli directives, warns of consequences

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
26 Feb 2025 03:39

The Israeli regime will place severe restrictions on the number of worshipers allowed into the Al-Aqsa Compound in Ramdan.

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Muslim worshippers offer Eid al-Adha prayers next to the Dome of the Rock at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, on June 16, 2024. (AP)

The Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas condemned an Israeli decision to place restrictions on worshippers' access to Al Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement, the Palestinian party pointed to a recommendation of the Israeli police to allow only 10,000 worshippers to perform Friday prayers in the Al Aqsa Compound, saying that the decision is a dangerous precedent that aimed to undermine religious freedoms.

Hamas said that Israeli police recommendations constitute blatant violations of all norms, treaties, and laws, adding that they are direct provocations to Muslims. The statement also stressed that such policies will fail to alter the identity and history of Al Aqsa Mosque.

Furthermore, the party held the occupation fully responsible for the consequences of taking such a drastic decision.

Hamas then called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the international community to take "serious action" to stop violations in the Al Aqsa Mosque and to ensure that the Palestinian people can practice their religious rites freely.

Al Aqsa Mosque holds the utmost religious and spiritual significance during the month of Ramadan for Muslims, as it is among the holiest sites in Islam, not to mention its historical significance. During this month, thousands of worshippers gather at Al Aqsa daily for prayers, particularly for Taraweeh and Friday prayers. The mosque typically sees an influx of over 200,000 worshippers on the last Friday of Ramadan, with existing Israeli restrictions. However, recent Israeli policies attempted to limit the number of worshipers in the compound, leading to unrest.