The spokesperson of the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, Fawzi Barhoum has stated the following:

Hamas follows with grave concerns the Israeli decision of shutting Al Aqsa mosque and preventing the Azan (call to prayer) and performing the daily five prayers.

This crime is part of an overall religious war waged against the Palestinian people and their land and holy sites. This is an unprecedented aggression against the Arab and Muslims' unequivocal right in the holy compound in Jerusalem, and an attempt to force a new reality to divide the mosque.

We in Hamas hold the Israeli Occupation fully responsible for all the consequences resulting from the ongoing crimes and attacks. In this regard, we call upon our people to escalate Alquds uprising and to combat with the Jewish settlers at all the flash points to defend our holy shrines.

We as well urge the Arab and Islamic nations to protest around the Israeli embassies in their countries to voice their anger against the Israeli crimes and show their support for Al Aqsa compound.