[
A heavy contingent of Israeli police checks worshipers coming into the Aqsa Mosque complicated in Jerusalem on Friday, the place unrest looms on the conclusion of Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims and which has taken on added significance throughout the struggle in Gaza .
Hamas, the militant group that launched the lethal Oct. 7 assault that prompted Israel's struggle, issued a press release Thursday urging Palestinians from the occupied West Financial institution and Israel to go to the Al Aqsa Mosque on Friday and “all Urged to cease. The occupation’s efforts to defile it and impose its aggressive plans.”
“The primary Friday of Ramadan ought to see a rise in help for Gaza, Jerusalem and Al Aqsa throughout all sectors,” the group mentioned, reiterating earlier requires motion.
Al Aqsa is without doubt one of the holiest websites for Muslims and is a part of a posh that’s sacred to Jews, who name it the Temple Mount. Muslim entry to the mosque has lengthy been some extent of rivalry, and in recent times Israel has tightened management over the complicated, considered one of many restrictions endured by Palestinians residing below Israeli occupation.
The principles have develop into stricter since October 7, and most Palestinians might not be capable to reply to Hamas's name to come back to Al Aqsa even when they wished to.
Israel's company that oversees coverage for the Palestinian territories mentioned on Monday that solely males over the age of 55, ladies over the age of fifty and kids below the age of 10 can be allowed to enter Al Aqsa on Friday throughout Ramadan. Will probably be allowed to enter Israel from the West Financial institution to wish. On Monday, the primary day of the Muslim holy month, Israeli law enforcement officials dispersed worshipers outdoors the compound and attacked some with batons, video confirmed, as many tried to enter the compound to wish, However had been denied entry below a unique set of age restrictions. ,
Israeli police mentioned they had been “sustaining a steadiness between freedom of worship and the crucial to make sure safety.”
In its assertion on Thursday, Hamas known as on younger Palestinians within the West Financial institution to “stand up and exit in roaring crowds” and confront Israeli safety officers. It known as on Palestinian supporters to “proceed their efficient mass actions and indignant solidarity marches and enhance all types of mobilization and help”, thereby placing stress on their governments to cease the struggle in Gaza.
The group has issued comparable statements throughout the struggle with Israel. Thus far they haven’t obtained a lot of a response from individuals within the West Financial institution, the place Israeli assaults have killed greater than 425 individuals since October 7, based on the Palestinian well being ministry in Ramallah, rising concern and frustration.
Ayman Abu Ramouz And Rami Nazzal Contributed to the reporting.