Hamas urges increased presence at Al-Aqsa as Israel restricts worshippers
The Hamas Movement has called for intensified Palestinian presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, urging worshippers to protect the holy site from what it described as Zionist regime’s efforts to impose new restrictions and advance settlement agendas.
In a statement released on Friday, the group said Zionist regime’s occupation police forces deliberately obstructed access to Al-Aqsa during the first Friday of Ramadan, limiting the number of worshippers to around 10,000 and imposing age and permit-based entry restrictions.
Hamas described the measures as violations of freedom of worship and attempts to alter the status quo at the compound.
The Movement urged Palestinians in Al-Quds, in 1948 occupied Palestine and those able to reach the city from the West Bank to increase their presence at the Mosque, calling it a religious and national duty amid escalating tensions.
Separately, an Israeli court extended the detention of Al-Quds-based journalist Nisreen Salem al-Abed until Sunday after police appealed a prior decision ordering her release under house arrest.
Al-Abed was arrested on February 15 while reporting from al-Zahra Street in occupied Al-Quds. She faces allegations of incitement and working with a banned media outlet. Israeli forces also raided her home in the Old City and damaged its contents, according to local sources.
The developments come amid heightened Israeli measures in Al-Quds during Ramadan and growing concerns over restrictions on media activity and access to holy sites.