On displacing a number of Palestinian families in Jerusalem on the pretext of excavations under Al-Aqsa and landslides, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanoa stated the following:

The Israeli occupation’s decision to evacuate many Palestinian homes near Al-Aqsa Mosque due to excavations under the mosque and repeated landslides is a serious threat aimed at judaizing the city and changing its Islamic identity by forced displacement of Palestinians, the indigenous people of the holy city.  

In addition, the Israeli attempts to kick Islamic scholars out Al-Aqsa Mosque, the last of whom was Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, highlight the Israeli confusion and shock after hundreds of Palestinians united to defend Al-Aqsa mosque by participating in the Great Fajr prayers last Friday.

We call on the Palestinian to exert more efforts to support Al-Aqsa and defend the city against the Israeli attacks. Hamas also urges Arab and Islamic Ummah, along with the free people of the world, to back the steadfastness of Palestinian residents of Jerusalem in the face of the Israeli schemes that aim to displace all Palestinians from the holy city.

Finally, Hamas stresses that the freedom struggle against the Israeli occupation will continue, and racist Israeli plans to impose a new reality in Jerusalem are doomed to failure. The Palestinians, indeed, will maintain the Islamic identity of Jerusalem with legendary steadfastness and an unwavering will.