Arresting Sheikh Raed Salah by the Israeli occupation is aimed at undermining his national role in defending Jerusalem, the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian cause, Hamas has said.

In a press release on Sunday morning, Hamas stressed that Israeli practices and ongoing aggression against the Palestinians in the 1948 occupied territories, including national figures and leaders, would not alter their identity, status, or loyalty to their homeland.    

Hamas hailed Salah for his “heroic” role and struggle for Palestinian rights and constants and the al-Aqsa Mosque.

Sheikh Raed is ushering in a new phase of this journey by being put in Israeli jails after an Israeli court sentenced him to 28 months in prison, Hamas added.

The Palestinian resistance movement saluted all Palestinians at home, reiterating the importance of their role in staying committed to their identity and homeland.   

Hamas called on the Palestinian people, Arab and Muslim nations, and the free people of the world to voice their solidarity with Sheikh Salah along with all Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.