Statements by Israeli occupation foreign minister Yair Lapid in which he held Hamas and Islamic Jihad responsible for the events taking place at the Al-Aqsa Mosque are a clear attempt to absolve the Israeli occupation government of direct responsibility towards what is happening in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, including its ongoing assaults on defenseless Palestinian worshippers and desecration of the sanctity of holy sites. 

This attempt comes on the heels of the widespread wave of international condemnations of the Israeli occupation over its criminal and racist policies and its brutal conduct against Muslim and Christian sacred sites.
 
We stress that resisting the occupation is a legitimate right guaranteed by international laws and conventions and that the Palestinian people will continue their struggle and resistance until achieving their aspirations for liberation, return, and self-determination. 

Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum 
Monday, 25 April 2022