31 july 2015
The Israeli police on early Friday morning closed all the gates of Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque in an attempt to tighten noose around Muslims’ neck.
The Israeli occupation police claimed they have opted for the decision after they were updated on the intents of Arab youths to instigate "disorder" during prayer times.
Observers said the move comes as part of Israeli endeavors to mobilize military reinforcement in anticipation of escalating tension.
Violent confrontations are very likely to flare up following Friday prayers after Israeli fanatics burned a Palestinian child to death.
Hamas and human rights groups called for a Friday of anger in response to Israel’s mounting assaults against Palestinian civilians and holy sites in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem.
The Israeli occupation police claimed they have opted for the decision after they were updated on the intents of Arab youths to instigate "disorder" during prayer times.
Observers said the move comes as part of Israeli endeavors to mobilize military reinforcement in anticipation of escalating tension.
Violent confrontations are very likely to flare up following Friday prayers after Israeli fanatics burned a Palestinian child to death.
Hamas and human rights groups called for a Friday of anger in response to Israel’s mounting assaults against Palestinian civilians and holy sites in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem.
The Hamas Movement has called on the Palestinian people to actively participate in the marches to be staged on Friday in different areas of the occupied lands in support of the Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
In a press release on Thursday, the Movement saluted all the Palestinians in the occupied territories for their steadfastness on their own land and their defense of their holy sites.
"All hail to our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the 1948 occupied lands and the besieged Gaza over their sacrifices, steadfastness, fortitude and valiant resistance against the criminal and usurping Zionist enemy, which has violated everything, and dared to attack our people and holy places and shed the Palestinian blood," Hamas said.
It added that the participation in protest marches are the least the Palestinian people could do to confront Israel's violations against the Islamic holy sites, especially the Aqsa Mosque.
Egyptian anti-coup alliance calls for joining protests in support of al-Aqsa
The Egyptian anti-coup alliance called Thursday for a mass participation in support of al-Aqsa Mosque Week staged under the slogan “Our pain is one and the same! Oh our al-Aqsa, we’ll answer your call.”
The Anti-Coup Pro-Legitimacy National Alliance said in a statement: “We’ve always remembered al-Aqsa even with our deep wounds and the sight of our martyrs being slain the one after the other while defending truth, freedom, and dignity.”
“In light of the simmering assaults and violations against al-Aqsa, we call on Egypt’s revolutionaries to partake in Friday's protests so as to prove to our Palestinian and Muslim brothers and sisters that our cause is one and the same, just as our enemy and way-out are,” the statement read.
The group struck a comparison between Palestinians’ fight for freedom and Egyptians’ struggle to restore legitimacy after the military coup, on July 3, 2013, ousted Egypt’s first democratically-elected President, Mohamed Morsi.
In a press release on Thursday, the Movement saluted all the Palestinians in the occupied territories for their steadfastness on their own land and their defense of their holy sites.
"All hail to our people in the West Bank, Jerusalem, the 1948 occupied lands and the besieged Gaza over their sacrifices, steadfastness, fortitude and valiant resistance against the criminal and usurping Zionist enemy, which has violated everything, and dared to attack our people and holy places and shed the Palestinian blood," Hamas said.
It added that the participation in protest marches are the least the Palestinian people could do to confront Israel's violations against the Islamic holy sites, especially the Aqsa Mosque.
Egyptian anti-coup alliance calls for joining protests in support of al-Aqsa
The Egyptian anti-coup alliance called Thursday for a mass participation in support of al-Aqsa Mosque Week staged under the slogan “Our pain is one and the same! Oh our al-Aqsa, we’ll answer your call.”
The Anti-Coup Pro-Legitimacy National Alliance said in a statement: “We’ve always remembered al-Aqsa even with our deep wounds and the sight of our martyrs being slain the one after the other while defending truth, freedom, and dignity.”
“In light of the simmering assaults and violations against al-Aqsa, we call on Egypt’s revolutionaries to partake in Friday's protests so as to prove to our Palestinian and Muslim brothers and sisters that our cause is one and the same, just as our enemy and way-out are,” the statement read.
The group struck a comparison between Palestinians’ fight for freedom and Egyptians’ struggle to restore legitimacy after the military coup, on July 3, 2013, ousted Egypt’s first democratically-elected President, Mohamed Morsi.
30 july 2015
In an official statement today, they ministry of foreign affairs of Turkey strongly condemned the recent conduct of the Israeli police, who trampled the sanctity of the Al Aqsa Mosque in order to allow the access of extremist settlers into Haram Al-Sharif.
“Such practices, which clearly violate the spiritual values that the Haram Al-Sharif embodies and especially the freedom of worship and belief of the Muslims at the Al Aqsa Mosque, are unacceptable,” statement said.
“Israel should put an end immediately to its illegal practices against Haram Al-Sharif, which cause justified reaction of the Islamic world and escalate the tension in the region,” it added.
Private units of the Israeli police on Sunday morning broke into the mosque, vandalized it, threw rubber-coated metal bullets on the worshipers and assaulted some youths.
More than 250 settlers broke into the mosque from Al Magharba gate.
At least 10 Palestinian worshipers were injured, alongside four Israeli cops.
“Such practices, which clearly violate the spiritual values that the Haram Al-Sharif embodies and especially the freedom of worship and belief of the Muslims at the Al Aqsa Mosque, are unacceptable,” statement said.
“Israel should put an end immediately to its illegal practices against Haram Al-Sharif, which cause justified reaction of the Islamic world and escalate the tension in the region,” it added.
Private units of the Israeli police on Sunday morning broke into the mosque, vandalized it, threw rubber-coated metal bullets on the worshipers and assaulted some youths.
More than 250 settlers broke into the mosque from Al Magharba gate.
At least 10 Palestinian worshipers were injured, alongside four Israeli cops.
Sheikh Kamal al-Khatib, deputy head of the Islamic Movement in the 1948 occupied lands, said that calling for "Friday of Anger" is “the least we can do to support al-Aqsa Mosque and the sit-inners in it”.
He accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) headed by Mahmoud Abbas of being a partner with Israel in its aggression against al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh al-Khatib clarified that secret meetings were held between Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom and chief Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erekat in Jordan while Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque and assaults against the sit-inners were being intensely carried out.
Palestinian and Arab calls were launched to participate in the “Friday of Anger” on July 31 in support of al-Aqsa Mosque and the female sit-inners who were attacked by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the courtyards and at the gates of the holy Mosque in the past few days.
Sheikh al-Khatib said in an exclusive interview with the PIC that the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli settlers, parties, and leaders is a slap on the face of every Muslim and Arab.
He stressed that defending al-Aqsa Mosque is an honor and a religious obligation on all Arabs and Muslims, and asserted that these efforts will not go in vain and Palestine will be liberated from the Israeli occupation.
Al-Khatib charged that by the PA approval to postpone the talks over Jerusalem's cause, it gave Israel the green light to carry out more assaults and Judaization schemes against the holy Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Khatib also charged that some Arab regimes gave Israel the green light to carry out more assaults against al-Aqsa Mosque and to impose the spatio-temporal division of the holy Mosque between Jews and Muslims.
He accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) headed by Mahmoud Abbas of being a partner with Israel in its aggression against al-Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh al-Khatib clarified that secret meetings were held between Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Silvan Shalom and chief Palestinian Authority negotiator Saeb Erekat in Jordan while Israeli break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque and assaults against the sit-inners were being intensely carried out.
Palestinian and Arab calls were launched to participate in the “Friday of Anger” on July 31 in support of al-Aqsa Mosque and the female sit-inners who were attacked by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the courtyards and at the gates of the holy Mosque in the past few days.
Sheikh al-Khatib said in an exclusive interview with the PIC that the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli settlers, parties, and leaders is a slap on the face of every Muslim and Arab.
He stressed that defending al-Aqsa Mosque is an honor and a religious obligation on all Arabs and Muslims, and asserted that these efforts will not go in vain and Palestine will be liberated from the Israeli occupation.
Al-Khatib charged that by the PA approval to postpone the talks over Jerusalem's cause, it gave Israel the green light to carry out more assaults and Judaization schemes against the holy Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Khatib also charged that some Arab regimes gave Israel the green light to carry out more assaults against al-Aqsa Mosque and to impose the spatio-temporal division of the holy Mosque between Jews and Muslims.
Sheikh Ikrema Sabri called on Arab and Islamic masses to pressure their governments to act in support of al-Aqsa Mosque, slamming the official Arab and Palestinian silence towards Israeli repeated attacks.
He also hailed the popular campaigns calling for day of anger in protest against Israeli settlers and forces’ provocative attacks and break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque over the past few days.
Speaking to the PIC reporter, Sheikh Sabri stressed the urgent need for a popular uprising to defend the holy shrine.
He also stressed the need to pressure Arab and Islamic countries to officially act for the protection of al-Aqsa Mosque and to work for putting an end to Israeli escalated violations.
The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is Islam’s third holiest site after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, he stressed.
Sheikh Sabri slammed the PA’s passive position and continued silence towards the Israeli systematic attacks in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
He pointed out that the ongoing events and conflicts in the Arab world only serve the occupation and facilitate the way for the implementation of Israeli Judaization schemes.
He also hailed the popular campaigns calling for day of anger in protest against Israeli settlers and forces’ provocative attacks and break-ins into al-Aqsa Mosque over the past few days.
Speaking to the PIC reporter, Sheikh Sabri stressed the urgent need for a popular uprising to defend the holy shrine.
He also stressed the need to pressure Arab and Islamic countries to officially act for the protection of al-Aqsa Mosque and to work for putting an end to Israeli escalated violations.
The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is Islam’s third holiest site after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, he stressed.
Sheikh Sabri slammed the PA’s passive position and continued silence towards the Israeli systematic attacks in occupied Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
He pointed out that the ongoing events and conflicts in the Arab world only serve the occupation and facilitate the way for the implementation of Israeli Judaization schemes.
Controversial Israeli right-wing rabbi activist Yehuda Glick was escorted, under armed protection, into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound Wednesday, as groups of right-wing Israelis entered the area for the third time this week.
The raid came despite the UN's condemnation earlier this week of "religious provocations" in and around holy sites in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
Sources in the Islamic Endowment Department told Ma'an News Agency that Glick as well as a group of 63 rightists stormed the compound and carried out religious rituals.
Israeli forces were deployed in and around the compound to secure the raid, the department added.
Separately, an Israeli bride and groom attempted to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque but were prevented by Israeli police, and two Palestinian women were detained as they were leaving the compound.
An Israeli police spokesperson did not immediately respond for comment.
Glick came to prominence for leading groups of rightists into the mosque compound for worship, in contravention of an agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment since 1967 that prohibits non-Muslim prayer in the compound.
The right-wing activist was barred from the compound in August of 2014 after he attacked a 67-year-old Palestinian woman, Ziva Badarna.
In October last year, Muataz Ibrahim Hijazi, 32, from Silwan attempted to assassinate Glick during a rally in Jerusalem. The suspect was shot dead by Israeli forces during a raid hours after the incident.
An Israeli court granted permission in May for Glick to visit the compound once a month.
This month's visit by Glick came after intense clashes erupted between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces at the compound on Monday, resulting in at least eight arrests and several minor injuries.
On Sunday, Israeli forces injured 19 Palestinian guards during clashes inside and around the mosque. Four Israeli police were also inured during clashes.
Al-Aqsa compound director Omar Kiswani said at the time that 70 Israelis had "raided" the compound Sunday afternoon accompanied by 100 to 150 Israeli special forces to secure their entry.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, issued a statement shortly after to express concern over "recent incidents and heightened tensions" in and around Jerusalem's holy sites, and to "call upon people on all sides to maintain calm.
Mladenov called on religious and political leaders to "prevent extremist elements from abusing the sanctity of Holy Sites and the different religious sentiments of all people."
Israeli forces frequently enable Israeli Jews to tour the compound despite the state's agreement not to allow non-Muslim prayer in the area following the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, considered illegal under international law.
The Al-Aqsa mosque -- the third holiest site in Islam -- has been the location of inflammatory visits by Israeli leadership and worshipers in the past, whose visits signal a threat to Palestinians who hope for occupied East Jerusalem to be the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Jewish prayer is allowed at the neighboring Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Second Temple.
The raid came despite the UN's condemnation earlier this week of "religious provocations" in and around holy sites in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
Sources in the Islamic Endowment Department told Ma'an News Agency that Glick as well as a group of 63 rightists stormed the compound and carried out religious rituals.
Israeli forces were deployed in and around the compound to secure the raid, the department added.
Separately, an Israeli bride and groom attempted to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque but were prevented by Israeli police, and two Palestinian women were detained as they were leaving the compound.
An Israeli police spokesperson did not immediately respond for comment.
Glick came to prominence for leading groups of rightists into the mosque compound for worship, in contravention of an agreement between Israel and the Islamic endowment since 1967 that prohibits non-Muslim prayer in the compound.
The right-wing activist was barred from the compound in August of 2014 after he attacked a 67-year-old Palestinian woman, Ziva Badarna.
In October last year, Muataz Ibrahim Hijazi, 32, from Silwan attempted to assassinate Glick during a rally in Jerusalem. The suspect was shot dead by Israeli forces during a raid hours after the incident.
An Israeli court granted permission in May for Glick to visit the compound once a month.
This month's visit by Glick came after intense clashes erupted between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces at the compound on Monday, resulting in at least eight arrests and several minor injuries.
On Sunday, Israeli forces injured 19 Palestinian guards during clashes inside and around the mosque. Four Israeli police were also inured during clashes.
Al-Aqsa compound director Omar Kiswani said at the time that 70 Israelis had "raided" the compound Sunday afternoon accompanied by 100 to 150 Israeli special forces to secure their entry.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, issued a statement shortly after to express concern over "recent incidents and heightened tensions" in and around Jerusalem's holy sites, and to "call upon people on all sides to maintain calm.
Mladenov called on religious and political leaders to "prevent extremist elements from abusing the sanctity of Holy Sites and the different religious sentiments of all people."
Israeli forces frequently enable Israeli Jews to tour the compound despite the state's agreement not to allow non-Muslim prayer in the area following the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, considered illegal under international law.
The Al-Aqsa mosque -- the third holiest site in Islam -- has been the location of inflammatory visits by Israeli leadership and worshipers in the past, whose visits signal a threat to Palestinians who hope for occupied East Jerusalem to be the capital of an independent Palestinian state.
Jewish prayer is allowed at the neighboring Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Second Temple.
29 july 2015
The Joint List of Arab parties at the Knesset has warned that the Israeli government's intents to divide the Aqsa Mosque spatially and temporally between the Muslims and Jews would lead to a religious conflict and a bloody war in the region.
This came in press remarks made by Knesset member Ayman Odeh who visited along with other Arab members on Tuesday the Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem.
Odeh affirmed that the attempts by the Israeli government to turn the political issue in Jerusalem into a religious conflict over the Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews would escalate the tension in the city and lead to further fighting in the region.
"The Aqsa Mosque with all its courtyards and premises inside al-Haram al-Sharif of Jerusalem is a sacred place for the Muslims and a pivotal site for the Palestinian people, and it has to be preserved and protected," he emphasized.
The MK deplored the recent "provocative" visit of agriculture minister Uri Ariel to the Aqsa Mosque and the protection provided by the Israeli police for such visits by Jewish settlers and officials.
This came in press remarks made by Knesset member Ayman Odeh who visited along with other Arab members on Tuesday the Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied Jerusalem.
Odeh affirmed that the attempts by the Israeli government to turn the political issue in Jerusalem into a religious conflict over the Aqsa Mosque between Muslims and Jews would escalate the tension in the city and lead to further fighting in the region.
"The Aqsa Mosque with all its courtyards and premises inside al-Haram al-Sharif of Jerusalem is a sacred place for the Muslims and a pivotal site for the Palestinian people, and it has to be preserved and protected," he emphasized.
The MK deplored the recent "provocative" visit of agriculture minister Uri Ariel to the Aqsa Mosque and the protection provided by the Israeli police for such visits by Jewish settlers and officials.
An official source in the PA presidency revealed that nearly 20,000 homes are threatened with demolition in occupied Jerusalem under the pretext of being built without permits.
Lawyer and Jerusalem Affairs Adviser for the Palestinian Presidency, Ahmed Rwaidy, affirmed that the Israeli occupation authorities plan to demolish dozens of homes in Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permit.
Israeli demolition policy mainly aims at changing the geographic and demographic realities in occupied Jerusalem, he said.
Israel works at decreasing the Palestinian population in occupied Jerusalem to approximately 15% of the total population of the city, the PA official continued.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli occupation municipality demolished a Jerusalemite apartment, two rooms, and four stores in Silwan town to the south of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Along the same line, OCHA revealed in an earlier report that Israeli authorities destroyed 39 homes in occupied Jerusalem since the beginning of 2015.
In the same context, B’Tselem revealed that since the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israeli authorities have promoted the two-fold goal of expanding the city’s Jewish population and reducing its Palestinian population. Various steps have been adopted to achieve this objective, including the isolation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, land appropriation, and discriminatory policies on planning and construction and budget allotment.
Lawyer and Jerusalem Affairs Adviser for the Palestinian Presidency, Ahmed Rwaidy, affirmed that the Israeli occupation authorities plan to demolish dozens of homes in Jerusalem for allegedly being built without permit.
Israeli demolition policy mainly aims at changing the geographic and demographic realities in occupied Jerusalem, he said.
Israel works at decreasing the Palestinian population in occupied Jerusalem to approximately 15% of the total population of the city, the PA official continued.
Earlier Tuesday, Israeli occupation municipality demolished a Jerusalemite apartment, two rooms, and four stores in Silwan town to the south of al-Aqsa Mosque.
Along the same line, OCHA revealed in an earlier report that Israeli authorities destroyed 39 homes in occupied Jerusalem since the beginning of 2015.
In the same context, B’Tselem revealed that since the annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israeli authorities have promoted the two-fold goal of expanding the city’s Jewish population and reducing its Palestinian population. Various steps have been adopted to achieve this objective, including the isolation of East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank, land appropriation, and discriminatory policies on planning and construction and budget allotment.
Dozens of Istanbul-based Islamic scholars and organizations announced Monday their decision to adopt 1,000 Muslim sit-inners maintaining vigil at the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
A statement cleared for publication by Islamic scholars and institutions under the heading “the crime of storming al-Aqsa” condemned the Israeli desecration schemes against Muslims’ third holiest site.
The scholars further announced their intents to stage mass rallies on Friday in support of the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
Dr. Nawaf Al-Takruri, Head of the Palestine Scholars Association overseas, briefed news reporters on a decision to adopt and sponsor 1,000 Muslim sit-inners at the al-Aqsa in a move aimed at propping up support for the holy Mosque.
“Given their status as the nation’s vanguards, scholars are capable of boosting back-up of al-Aqsa. This initiative is a key step to nourish the steadfastness of Muslim sit-inners,” Professor at al-Azhar University Dr Jamal Abd al-Sattar, also member of the Association of Sunni Scholars, told al-Khaleej Online.
The move comes at a time when Israeli break-ins at al-Aqsa and assaults on the peaceful Muslim worshipers have hit climatic levels on the occasion of the so-called destruction of the temple.
A statement cleared for publication by Islamic scholars and institutions under the heading “the crime of storming al-Aqsa” condemned the Israeli desecration schemes against Muslims’ third holiest site.
The scholars further announced their intents to stage mass rallies on Friday in support of the holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
Dr. Nawaf Al-Takruri, Head of the Palestine Scholars Association overseas, briefed news reporters on a decision to adopt and sponsor 1,000 Muslim sit-inners at the al-Aqsa in a move aimed at propping up support for the holy Mosque.
“Given their status as the nation’s vanguards, scholars are capable of boosting back-up of al-Aqsa. This initiative is a key step to nourish the steadfastness of Muslim sit-inners,” Professor at al-Azhar University Dr Jamal Abd al-Sattar, also member of the Association of Sunni Scholars, told al-Khaleej Online.
The move comes at a time when Israeli break-ins at al-Aqsa and assaults on the peaceful Muslim worshipers have hit climatic levels on the occasion of the so-called destruction of the temple.
Qatar called Tuesday for putting an end to “Israeli brutal and illegal attacks on al-Aqsa mosque”, while deploring the constant aggressive practices by Israel in occupied Jerusalem.
Earlier Sunday, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed along with dozens of settlers into al-Aqsa Mosque on the occasion of the so-called destruction of the temple, sparking wide-spread condemnations and calls for prosecuting Israel for its crimes against the holy shrine and the holy city of occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said that the settlers' breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque is a provocation of the feelings of millions of Muslims.
The statement called on Israel to put an end to its evil and illegal actions towards al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that the ongoing Israeli violations of sanctities and places of worship will increase tension in the region.
Nearly 120 Israeli settlers headed by Israeli Minister of Agriculture stormed Sunday al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli police.
During the incident, a number of peaceful Muslim worshipers sustained wounds after Israeli army troops attacked them with randomly-shot spates of tear gas canisters and stun grenades.
Earlier Sunday, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) stormed along with dozens of settlers into al-Aqsa Mosque on the occasion of the so-called destruction of the temple, sparking wide-spread condemnations and calls for prosecuting Israel for its crimes against the holy shrine and the holy city of occupied Jerusalem.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said that the settlers' breaking into al-Aqsa Mosque is a provocation of the feelings of millions of Muslims.
The statement called on Israel to put an end to its evil and illegal actions towards al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that the ongoing Israeli violations of sanctities and places of worship will increase tension in the region.
Nearly 120 Israeli settlers headed by Israeli Minister of Agriculture stormed Sunday al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli police.
During the incident, a number of peaceful Muslim worshipers sustained wounds after Israeli army troops attacked them with randomly-shot spates of tear gas canisters and stun grenades.
28 july 2015
Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, in the West Bank called on the entire Palestinian people in the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem to announce mobilization and participate in “The Friday of Anger” on July 31 in support of Occupied Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
In a statement, Hamas said the Friday of Anger comes in response to Israeli violations of and incursions into the holy Aqsa Mosque. It is, as well, in protest against arresting Palestinian female worshipers and assaulting the elderly and children. Besides it is in defense of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
Friday of Anger’s events will start immediately after Friday’s prayer in all cities, towns and refugee camps of the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem, Hamas said.
Israeli forces along with groups of settlers broke into the Aqsa Mosque last Friday and assaulted Muslim female worshipers inside. They also desecrated the southern Mosque, threw copies of the Holy Quran, and cursed Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
In a statement, Hamas said the Friday of Anger comes in response to Israeli violations of and incursions into the holy Aqsa Mosque. It is, as well, in protest against arresting Palestinian female worshipers and assaulting the elderly and children. Besides it is in defense of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
Friday of Anger’s events will start immediately after Friday’s prayer in all cities, towns and refugee camps of the West Bank and Occupied Jerusalem, Hamas said.
Israeli forces along with groups of settlers broke into the Aqsa Mosque last Friday and assaulted Muslim female worshipers inside. They also desecrated the southern Mosque, threw copies of the Holy Quran, and cursed Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
27 july 2015
Right-wing Israelis broke into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound again on Monday, as the UN expressed concerns over "religious provocation" in and around holy sites in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem.
Witnesses said that 70 right-wing Jews entered the compound via the Moroccan Gate under Israeli police escort.
Israeli police reportedly assaulted and detained a Palestinian worshiper, Ahmad Asaliyyeh, from the compound, and detained a Palestinian woman as she was leaving the compound.
An Israeli police spokesperson could not be reached for comment, according to Ma'an.
The incident came a day after Palestinian worshipers clashed with Israeli police and soldiers across the compound and inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself, leaving 19 Palestinians and four Israeli police injured.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, issued a statement on Monday to express concern over "recent incidents and heightened tensions" in and around Jerusalem's holy sites, and to "call upon people on all sides to maintain calm."
He said: "Provocative actions and language carry the seed of violence and ultimately undermine the ability of worshipers of all faiths to have access to their respective Holy Sites. Respect for the status quo is in the interest of all and is essential for stability."
The UN representative called on religious and political leaders to "prevent extremist elements from abusing the sanctity of Holy Sites and the different religious sentiments of all people."
Bans, arrests
Israeli forces reportedly detained eight Palestinians from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday, and an Israeli court on Monday banned four Palestinians from entering the compound for periods of up to 60 days. Dania Eid and Alaa Bashi, both Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, were banned from the site for 60 days, while two Palestinians from the West Bank, Akram Daana and a young man identified only as Fadi, were given bans of 30 and 45 days.
Right-wing Israelis were visiting the compound on Sunday to mark Tisha B'Av, an annual Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Jewish Temples.
The third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the Temples once stood.
Following Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has maintained an agreement with the Islamic Endowment that controls the compound not to allow non-Muslim prayer in the area.
Jewish prayer is allowed at the neighboring Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Second Temple. The mosque compound has seen rising tensions in recent days, with Jewish organizations calling for the compound to be open to Jews for the week following Tisha B'Av and others seeking to celebrate unconfirmed reports that Israel is negotiating the reopening of the compound to non-Muslim worship.
At the end of June, International Crisis Group reported discussions between Israel and the Islamic Endowment on allowing non-Muslim worship at the site, although the move has not yet been confirmed.
Witnesses said that 70 right-wing Jews entered the compound via the Moroccan Gate under Israeli police escort.
Israeli police reportedly assaulted and detained a Palestinian worshiper, Ahmad Asaliyyeh, from the compound, and detained a Palestinian woman as she was leaving the compound.
An Israeli police spokesperson could not be reached for comment, according to Ma'an.
The incident came a day after Palestinian worshipers clashed with Israeli police and soldiers across the compound and inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself, leaving 19 Palestinians and four Israeli police injured.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, issued a statement on Monday to express concern over "recent incidents and heightened tensions" in and around Jerusalem's holy sites, and to "call upon people on all sides to maintain calm."
He said: "Provocative actions and language carry the seed of violence and ultimately undermine the ability of worshipers of all faiths to have access to their respective Holy Sites. Respect for the status quo is in the interest of all and is essential for stability."
The UN representative called on religious and political leaders to "prevent extremist elements from abusing the sanctity of Holy Sites and the different religious sentiments of all people."
Bans, arrests
Israeli forces reportedly detained eight Palestinians from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday, and an Israeli court on Monday banned four Palestinians from entering the compound for periods of up to 60 days. Dania Eid and Alaa Bashi, both Palestinians with Israeli citizenship, were banned from the site for 60 days, while two Palestinians from the West Bank, Akram Daana and a young man identified only as Fadi, were given bans of 30 and 45 days.
Right-wing Israelis were visiting the compound on Sunday to mark Tisha B'Av, an annual Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Jewish Temples.
The third holiest site in Islam, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is also venerated as Judaism's most holy place as it sits where Jews believe the Temples once stood.
Following Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Israel has maintained an agreement with the Islamic Endowment that controls the compound not to allow non-Muslim prayer in the area.
Jewish prayer is allowed at the neighboring Western Wall, which is the last remnant of the Second Temple. The mosque compound has seen rising tensions in recent days, with Jewish organizations calling for the compound to be open to Jews for the week following Tisha B'Av and others seeking to celebrate unconfirmed reports that Israel is negotiating the reopening of the compound to non-Muslim worship.
At the end of June, International Crisis Group reported discussions between Israel and the Islamic Endowment on allowing non-Muslim worship at the site, although the move has not yet been confirmed.
The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas Movement, on Monday warned that al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line and any harm done to it would not pass unnoticed.
Spokesman for the brigades Abu Obeida posted a tweet on his official page on the social network “Twitter” that Palestinian resistance in the West Bank will certainly find a way to respond to Israeli attacks.
The Israeli atrocities in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem prove that resistance is the sole option to deter Israeli crimes, he wrote on Twitter.
Abu Obeida’s statements came after violent confrontations flared up on Sunday morning when Israeli forces broke into al-Aqsa Mosque and aggressively attacked the peaceful congregation and sit-inners. Many injuries and arrests were reported during the attack.
Spokesman for the brigades Abu Obeida posted a tweet on his official page on the social network “Twitter” that Palestinian resistance in the West Bank will certainly find a way to respond to Israeli attacks.
The Israeli atrocities in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem prove that resistance is the sole option to deter Israeli crimes, he wrote on Twitter.
Abu Obeida’s statements came after violent confrontations flared up on Sunday morning when Israeli forces broke into al-Aqsa Mosque and aggressively attacked the peaceful congregation and sit-inners. Many injuries and arrests were reported during the attack.
A group of Israeli settlers stormed al-Aqsa Mosque Monday morning via the Israeli-controlled Magaribeh gate under Israeli police protection.
The Israeli settlers roamed the compound after receiving explanations about their alleged Temple in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer protesting the Israeli repeated attacks.
Israeli police deliberately confiscated the identity cards of a number of worshipers especially women and minors at the Mosque's entrance gates.
The Israeli settlers roamed the compound after receiving explanations about their alleged Temple in total provocation to Palestinian worshipers who started shouting Takbeer protesting the Israeli repeated attacks.
Israeli police deliberately confiscated the identity cards of a number of worshipers especially women and minors at the Mosque's entrance gates.
The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) act of storming al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday on the occasion of the so-called destruction of the temple has sparked wide-spread condemnations and calls for prosecuting Israel for its crimes against al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy city.
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestinian territories Sheikh Muhammad Hussein called for international prosecution of the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) for its heinous crimes against al-Aqsa Mosque and the Muslim worshippers in it.
He stressed that assaulting the Palestinian holy places is turning the area into a ticking time bomb and threatening an imminent religious war.
The Mufti clarified in a statement on Sunday that the IOA is besieging al-Aqsa Mosque and barring entry of Muslim worshippers into it in a desperate attempt to empty al-Aqsa Mosque of worshipers, and charged that the IOA is using all repressive means against unarmed civilians.
Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher held Israel fully responsible for any massacre that may take place due to the continued IOF incursions and attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque.
He urged the Palestinians, the Arab and Muslim countries, the League of Arab States, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, and the Jerusalem Committee to protect al-Aqsa Mosque from the IOA's attempts to desecrate the sacredness of the holy Mosque before it is too late.
In the same context, the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc strongly condemned the settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque and the Israeli assaults against the peaceful Muslim sit-inners inside it, and called for urgent action to protect the holy Mosque and to put an end to the Israeli Judaization attempts.
Resistance factions in the West Bank and Jerusalem stressed that the settlers' break-ins and attacks against the Muslim worshippers are clear evidence that the direct talks are useless in light of the Israeli continued Judization, desecration, diggings and systematic plans to demolish al-Aqsa Mosque.
For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah strongly condemned the settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque under protection of Israeli forces and refused the Israeli racist procedures to impose restrictions on the entry of Palestinian citizens to the holy Mosque. The Ministry urged the Muslim and Arab world to take urgent action to protect Jerusalem and the Islamic and Christian sanctities from the Israeli racist assaults which are against the International Law.
Palestinian Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Yousef Adeis said in a press statement: "The Israeli brutal assault against the sit-inners and the guards of al-Aqsa Mosque and al-Qibli Mosque and firing tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets are flagrant violations of the sanctity of the Mosque and provocative acts to Muslims' feelings."
Adeis asked the international community to intervene to protect the religious, cultural, and civilizational places from the Israeli systematic violations and assaults which may lead to serious consequences.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said in a press statement: "The Palestinian people have nothing to lose as long as they are working to thwart Israel's Judaization schemes."
The PFLP called on the Palestinian leadership to convene an emergency session of the PLO executive committee to discuss the implications of the dangerous situation of al-Aqsa Mosque and to come up with practical decisions to confront the Israeli provocative practices and to strengthen the steadfastness of the Jerusalemites.
It also called on the United Nations to urgently intervene to stop the Israeli ongoing violations and war crimes and asked the Organization of the Islamic Conference to fulfill its commitments towards Jerusalem; clarifying that since al-Aqsa Mosque was burned in 1969 its decisions have remained ink on paper.
Commenting on storming al-Aqsa Mosque by herds of Jewish settlers, the Palestine Scholars Association said:" We can't keep silent in the face of this blatant aggression; al-Aqsa Mosque is part of our religion and creed and it is the First Qibla and Third Holiest Mosque; so we consider the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the Israeli religious war which the whole nation, the scholars, and the leaders must confront."
Rights group: Israeli assaults on al-Aqsa war crimes
The Independent Commission for Human Rights stressed both the need and ability to wage a legal battle against Israel as regards recent aggression on Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
Speaking to a PIC news reporter, spokesman for the Independent Commission, Bahjat al-Helo, said: “Palestine, in its capacity as a member of the Rome Statute and other international treaties, has acquired the ability to prosecute the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) and bring its criminals before the International Criminal Court (ICC)."
“Israel’s assaults in Occupied Jerusalem and the holy al-Aqsa Mosque amount to war crimes and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian laws,” he said.
He pushed for appealing to the ICC so as to impeach the IOA for crimes committed against Palestinian holy sites.
“The legal step is a key mechanism to take a tougher line against Israeli crimes in Occupied Jerusalem,” he added.
Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestinian territories Sheikh Muhammad Hussein called for international prosecution of the Israeli Occupation Authority (IOA) for its heinous crimes against al-Aqsa Mosque and the Muslim worshippers in it.
He stressed that assaulting the Palestinian holy places is turning the area into a ticking time bomb and threatening an imminent religious war.
The Mufti clarified in a statement on Sunday that the IOA is besieging al-Aqsa Mosque and barring entry of Muslim worshippers into it in a desperate attempt to empty al-Aqsa Mosque of worshipers, and charged that the IOA is using all repressive means against unarmed civilians.
Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher held Israel fully responsible for any massacre that may take place due to the continued IOF incursions and attacks on al-Aqsa Mosque.
He urged the Palestinians, the Arab and Muslim countries, the League of Arab States, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, and the Jerusalem Committee to protect al-Aqsa Mosque from the IOA's attempts to desecrate the sacredness of the holy Mosque before it is too late.
In the same context, the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc strongly condemned the settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque and the Israeli assaults against the peaceful Muslim sit-inners inside it, and called for urgent action to protect the holy Mosque and to put an end to the Israeli Judaization attempts.
Resistance factions in the West Bank and Jerusalem stressed that the settlers' break-ins and attacks against the Muslim worshippers are clear evidence that the direct talks are useless in light of the Israeli continued Judization, desecration, diggings and systematic plans to demolish al-Aqsa Mosque.
For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah strongly condemned the settlers' break-in into al-Aqsa Mosque under protection of Israeli forces and refused the Israeli racist procedures to impose restrictions on the entry of Palestinian citizens to the holy Mosque. The Ministry urged the Muslim and Arab world to take urgent action to protect Jerusalem and the Islamic and Christian sanctities from the Israeli racist assaults which are against the International Law.
Palestinian Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Yousef Adeis said in a press statement: "The Israeli brutal assault against the sit-inners and the guards of al-Aqsa Mosque and al-Qibli Mosque and firing tear gas canisters and rubber-coated metal bullets are flagrant violations of the sanctity of the Mosque and provocative acts to Muslims' feelings."
Adeis asked the international community to intervene to protect the religious, cultural, and civilizational places from the Israeli systematic violations and assaults which may lead to serious consequences.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said in a press statement: "The Palestinian people have nothing to lose as long as they are working to thwart Israel's Judaization schemes."
The PFLP called on the Palestinian leadership to convene an emergency session of the PLO executive committee to discuss the implications of the dangerous situation of al-Aqsa Mosque and to come up with practical decisions to confront the Israeli provocative practices and to strengthen the steadfastness of the Jerusalemites.
It also called on the United Nations to urgently intervene to stop the Israeli ongoing violations and war crimes and asked the Organization of the Islamic Conference to fulfill its commitments towards Jerusalem; clarifying that since al-Aqsa Mosque was burned in 1969 its decisions have remained ink on paper.
Commenting on storming al-Aqsa Mosque by herds of Jewish settlers, the Palestine Scholars Association said:" We can't keep silent in the face of this blatant aggression; al-Aqsa Mosque is part of our religion and creed and it is the First Qibla and Third Holiest Mosque; so we consider the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque as part of the Israeli religious war which the whole nation, the scholars, and the leaders must confront."
Rights group: Israeli assaults on al-Aqsa war crimes
The Independent Commission for Human Rights stressed both the need and ability to wage a legal battle against Israel as regards recent aggression on Muslims’ holy al-Aqsa Mosque.
Speaking to a PIC news reporter, spokesman for the Independent Commission, Bahjat al-Helo, said: “Palestine, in its capacity as a member of the Rome Statute and other international treaties, has acquired the ability to prosecute the Israeli occupation authority (IOA) and bring its criminals before the International Criminal Court (ICC)."
“Israel’s assaults in Occupied Jerusalem and the holy al-Aqsa Mosque amount to war crimes and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian laws,” he said.
He pushed for appealing to the ICC so as to impeach the IOA for crimes committed against Palestinian holy sites.
“The legal step is a key mechanism to take a tougher line against Israeli crimes in Occupied Jerusalem,” he added.
A spokesman for the Hamas Movement has urged the Palestinians in the West Bank to escalate their resistance activities against the Israeli occupation to deter its violations at the Aqsa Mosque.
In press remarks on Sunday, Hamas spokesman Husam Badran said that every act of resistance against the Israeli occupation is considered an effective element in deterring its violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
Badran hailed the steadfastness of the Muslim worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque and their confrontation of desecration attempts by Jewish groups and settlers.
He also highlighted the importance of carrying out resistance attacks against Israeli targets in retaliation to Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque.
The Hamas spokesman warned the Israeli occupation of persisting in its practices against the holy Mosque, affirming that the Palestinian people would sacrifice everything they have to defend it.
He called on every Palestinian able to strike the occupation to take the initiative and strongly respond to its violations, stressing that Israel understands only the language of force.
In press remarks on Sunday, Hamas spokesman Husam Badran said that every act of resistance against the Israeli occupation is considered an effective element in deterring its violations against the Aqsa Mosque.
Badran hailed the steadfastness of the Muslim worshipers at the Aqsa Mosque and their confrontation of desecration attempts by Jewish groups and settlers.
He also highlighted the importance of carrying out resistance attacks against Israeli targets in retaliation to Jewish break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque.
The Hamas spokesman warned the Israeli occupation of persisting in its practices against the holy Mosque, affirming that the Palestinian people would sacrifice everything they have to defend it.
He called on every Palestinian able to strike the occupation to take the initiative and strongly respond to its violations, stressing that Israel understands only the language of force.
