GAZA (Palestine Foundation Information Center) The Hamas Movement called for mass mobilization on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, urging Palestinians, the Arab and Islamic nations, and supporters of justice worldwide to take into the streets in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Jerusalem, and in defense of Aqsa Mosque.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Movement cited the continued escalation of the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in large-scale civilian casualties and widespread destruction, as well as ongoing violations in the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Aqsa Mosque compound — all, it said, amid full US support and international silence.
Hamas urged widespread demonstrations and solidarity events across cities and capitals, calling for the final days of Ramadan to become “days of comprehensive mobilization”. The Movement also called for the use of all peaceful means to demand an end to Israel’s assault, siege, and deliberate starvation of Gaza and to amplify calls for relief and support for Palestinians in Gaza, Jerusalem, and Aqsa.
The statement called on Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Palestinian citizens within the Green Line to intensify their presence at Aqsa Mosque, stressing the need to confront the Israeli forces and settler incursions across all fronts.
Marking Land Day (30 March), Hamas also encouraged Palestinians in the Diaspora to organize large-scale popular demonstrations against the Israeli plans of displacement and annexation and to affirm the right of return and national liberation.
Hamas appealed to the broader Arab and Islamic nations and international civil society to turn the coming weekend into a wave of protests and rallies.
The Movement further urged Arab and Islamic governments to assume what it described as their “historic responsibilities” by taking decisive positions to halt the aggression, lift the blockade on Gaza, and support Palestinian resilience.
Religious leaders were also called upon to dedicate this Friday’s sermon to the situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, Jerusalem, and Aqsa, the statement reads.
Hamas concluded its statement by declaring the coming days “a time of widespread anger” against the Israeli occupation and its backers, asserting that Gaza, Jerusalem, and Aqsa have defenders ready to respond to the call of solidarity, and reaffirming its commitment to continue mobilizing until the aggression ends and the siege is lifted.
For his part, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, Aqsa Mosque preacher, has called on worshipers to observe Laylat al-Qadr, beginning from sunset on Wednesday until dawn on Thursday, at Aqsa Mosque.
Sheikh Sabri urged Arab and Islamic countries to intensify efforts and unify their positions to protect Aqsa Mosque from mounting threats.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a continuous presence at the site to counter ongoing Judaization attempts.
His appeal came amid heightened Israeli restrictions on access to the Mosque during the final ten days of Ramadan.
Widespread calls for i’tikaf (religious retreat) throughout the holy month of Ramadan continue to circulate among Palestinians and worshipers, particularly in the face of growing restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.
