The Israeli occupation's continued targeting of employees and guards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by detaining them or banning them from accessing the mosque is an appalling assault and an infringement on the Muslim sacred site's affairs. 

This aggression coincides with the ongoing Israeli attempts to hinder any effort to carry out routine maintenance or renovation works at the Al-Aqsa compound, putting it at risk of collapse. 

We warn the Israeli occupation against going ahead with this aggressive approach; we call on Palestinian Jerusalemites to intensify their presence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and fend off Israeli policies targeting the mosque. 

We also urge the concerned official parties and NGO groups to assume their role in supporting guards and employees of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the face of the Israeli occupation.  

Mohammed Hamada
Hamas spokesperson in Jerusalem
Sunday, 9 January 2022