Hamas calls for unity to protect Al-Aqsa during holy Ramadan

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International Desk:  The country's pro-independence organization Hamas has called on Palestinians to visit the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan to participate in worship, steadfastness, and seclusion. 

The organization says it is not only a symbol of religious loyalty, but also part of resistance against the occupying Israel, Anadolu Agency reported.  

In a statement, Hamas called on Palestinians living in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Israel to "make every effort to go to Al-Aqsa Mosque this month, stand firm there and perform I'tikaf." 

Hamas also said, "Dedicate the blessed days and nights of Ramadan to worship, steadfastness, and resistance against the enemy and settlers, as well as ensuring the defense of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa until it is liberated from occupation."  

Calling on Palestinians worldwide, Hamas said, "You should undertake extensive programs and initiatives to express solidarity with the people of Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem."  

On Friday evening, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the Khatib of Al-Aqsa Mosque, said that Israeli authorities have imposed strict restrictions on Jerusalem under the pretext of security. However, he claimed that the real purpose of this is to limit Palestinian access to Al-Aqsa.  

Every year during the month of Ramadan, Israel imposes restrictions that prevent Palestinians from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.  

Palestinians believe the restrictions are part of a broader Israeli policy to Judaize East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and erase its Arab and Islamic identity.  

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. On the other hand, Jews call the site the 'Temple Mount' and claim that two Jewish temples were located there in ancient times.  

Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and declared annexation of the entire city in 1980, a move never recognized by the international community.  

In July last year, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel's long-standing occupation of Palestinian territory was illegal and ordered the withdrawal of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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