Israeli Plan to Limit Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque Sparks Outrage Among Palestinians
Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, said in a Sunday statement that the plan was "a further escalation of criminality" and a violation of the freedom of worship.
It urged the Palestinians in the occupied territories, al-Quds, and the West Bank to reject the plan and flock to the mosque to protect it from Israeli aggression.
Hamas also warned the regime that any attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque or its freedom of worship would not go unpunished, and that Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa would forever act as a “compass” for the nation.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, another Palestinian faction, said the plan was "part of the genocidal war" waged by Israel and called for a "comprehensive intifada" against the occupation and its supporters.
The plan was proposed by Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right cabinet member, and reported by Israeli Channel 13 on Sunday. The channel said the Shin Bet, the regime's internal security agency, had warned that the plan would increase tensions, especially among the Palestinians who live in Israel or have a permanent residence status.
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The channel also said some Israeli ministers, such as Yoav Gallant and Benny Gantz, had opposed the plan, arguing that it would bypass the security establishment.
Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and prayer, is expected to start in early March. It is usually marked by several religious and social events at al-Aqsa Mosque, which is located in al-Quds Old City.
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The Israeli regime has occupied East al-Quds, where the mosque is situated, since 1967 and annexed it in a move not recognized by most of the international community. The regime has also imposed severe restrictions on the movement and rights of the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Source: Agencies
