Press release issued by Saleh al-Arouri, deputy chief of Hamas political bureau:

Storming and desecrating Al-Aqsa Mosque by large number of Israeli settlers under the protection of Israeli Occupation forces, which is politically backed by Netanyahu's government, is the first sign of implementing the Jewish Nation-State bill and usher in a new era of Israeli aggression against the Palestinians' holy sites. 

In light of these dangerous events, we hail the people of Palestine for their steadfastness in defending Al-Aqsa Mosque against the Israeli settlers break-ins. 

We call upon the people of Palestine to resist the terrorism of the Israeli settlers and the policies of the Israeli Occupation's government. 

On this day a year ago, the Palestinian people thwarted the Israeli plan to erect the electronic gates at the entrances of Al-Aqsa Mosque. We are confident that the people will once again foil all Israeli attempts aiming to erase the identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

We appeal to the Arab and Islamic nations to defend one of the holiest Muslim sites. 

This serious aggression against Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Msoque requires great effort exerted to achieve a Palestinian reconciliation and work in a spirit of national partnership and devote all efforts to counter the Israeli Occupation.

Saleh al-Arouri 

Deputy Chief of Hamas Political Bureau

22/07/2018