A heavy Israeli police contingent checked worshipers on Friday getting into the Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, the place the specter of unrest loomed over the conclusion of Ramadan, the holiest month for Muslims and one which has taken on added significance through the conflict in Gaza.
Hamas, the militant group that launched the lethal Oct. 7 assault that prompted Israel to go to conflict within the enclave, issued a press release on Thursday urging Palestinians from the occupied West Financial institution and Israel to go to Al Aqsa Mosque on Friday and “forestall all makes an attempt of the occupation to desecrate it and impose its aggressive plans.”
“Let the primary Friday of Ramadan be an escalation in all fields in help of Gaza, Jerusalem and Al Aqsa,” the group mentioned, echoing earlier calls to motion.
Al Aqsa is among the holiest websites for Muslims and a part of a compound that’s sacred to Jews, who name it the Temple Mount. Muslim entry to the mosque has lengthy been a degree of rivalry, and lately Israel has exerted tighter management over the compound, one among many restrictions endured by Palestinians dwelling below Israeli occupation.
The principles have tightened additional since Oct. 7, and most Palestinians could not be capable of reply Hamas’s name to flock to Al Aqsa even when they need to.
Israel’s company overseeing coverage for the Palestinian territories mentioned on Monday that solely males over age 55, ladies over 50 and youngsters below 10 could be allowed to enter Israel from the West Financial institution to wish at Al Aqsa on Fridays throughout Ramadan. On Monday, the primary day of the Muslim holy month, Israeli law enforcement officials exterior the compound chased away worshipers and struck some with batons, movies confirmed, as many tried to enter the advanced to wish however have been denied entry below a unique set of age restrictions.
The Israeli police mentioned that they have been “sustaining a stability between the liberty of worship and the crucial of guaranteeing safety.”
In its assertion on Thursday, Hamas referred to as on younger Palestinians within the West Financial institution to “stand up and exit in roaring crowds” and confront Israeli safety officers. It referred to as on supporters of the Palestinian trigger “to proceed their efficient mass motion and offended solidarity marches, and to escalate all types of mobilization and help,” placing strain on their governments to cease the conflict in Gaza.
The group has issued related statements throughout its conflict with Israel. Up to now they haven’t drawn a lot response from folks within the West Financial institution, the place concern and despair have been rising as Israeli raids have killed greater than 425 folks there since Oct. 7, in keeping with the Palestinian well being ministry in Ramallah.
Ayman Abu Ramouz and Rami Nazzal contributed reporting.