Hamas calls for measures in response to zionist settler activities at al-Aqsa Mosque and military operations in the West Bank

A Hamas political bureau member and the head of the al-Quds Affairs Office issued a warning in a press statement on Wednesday regarding Israeli actions at the al-Aqsa Mosque. The official described these actions as part of a larger-scale invasion effort.

Harun Nasser al-Din has condemned the recent incursions by settlers during the Hanukkah festival, describing them as part of a continuous pattern of Israeli actions against Palestinian communities and holy sites throughout the West Bank.

He underscored the critical significance of assembling at al-Aqsa Mosque to oppose such assaults and bolster the ongoing resistance against the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has continued for more than 14 months.

On Friday, a Hamas representative underscored the importance of safeguarding the al-Aqsa Mosque, describing it as a sacred duty in light of what they termed as egregious violations against Islamic holy sites. These comments come amid widespread accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing allegedly carried out by Israeli authorities against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

He issued a call for a substantial assembly at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the coming days, with the objective of protecting the site and countering the intensifying Judaization initiatives.

On Wednesday, Israeli settlers conducted a significant incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, under the guard of Israeli police, in observance of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights traditionally begins in December, with this year’s celebrations commencing on December 25 and concluding on January 2.

In addition, extremist Jewish factions, referred to as the “Temple Mount groups,” have issued a call for extensive incursions into the al-Aqsa compound to align with the Hanukkah celebrations.

In recent times, groups of settlers have been observed entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in substantial numbers to conduct Talmudic rituals in its courtyards. These actions frequently escalate tensions between Muslim worshippers and Israeli security forces.

According to an agreement established between Israel and Jordan after Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, non-Muslim worship is prohibited at the site.

In recent years, tensions have intensified surrounding al-Aqsa Mosque, fueled by a rise in visits and activities conducted by Israeli settlers, especially during Jewish religious holidays and other significant dates.

In a move considered highly provocative by Palestinians, hardline Israeli officials and settlers frequently enter the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied city. These mass incursions are typically orchestrated by far-right groups supported by Tel Aviv and occur with the protection of Israeli police in Jerusalem.

In a continuation of hostilities, Israeli settlers have recently encroached upon disputed territories, coinciding with ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces. These operations have resulted in the deaths of 45,361 Palestinians, predominantly comprising women and children, since October 7 of the previous year.