Head of Hamas political bureau in Gaza Yahya Al-Sinwar said the International Quds Day is intended to mobilise support for Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the face of Israeli occupation threats.

In a speech at the ‘West Bank is the Shield of Jerusalem’ festival, the Hamas official hailed the widespread participation of Arab and Muslim masses in activities organised on International Quds Day to express solidarity with the holy city.

The senior Hamas official explained that the most recent Israeli attacks against Palestinian worshippers reflect a planned ‘religious war’ launched by the Israeli occupation’s government in Jerusalem.  

“This war is not only on Muslims but also on Christians,” Sinwar added.

The senior Hamas official pointed out that the Israeli occupation’s destruction of Christian cemeteries and banning Christians from visiting holy places in Jerusalem during Easter are part of the religious war.

He confirmed that the Palestinian people across Palestine are prepared to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy places and sanctities against Israeli crimes and violations.

Addressing the world’s leaders, Sinwar called for adopting a clear position and taking serious actions towards the Israeli government's conduct and policy in Jerusalem.

He concluded that condemnation is not enough but the world’s leaders should change their policy towards the situation in Palestine and boycott the Israeli occupation.