Netanyahu, several government members and thousands of Israeli settlers entered the Buraq Wall courtyard amid activity in the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem on Saturday evening. The entry took place under heavy security measures ahead of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
Hamas described Netanyahu’s entry with several Israeli ministers into the courtyard as a dangerous escalation targeting the identity and status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Hamas calls for action in Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa Mosque
In a statement, the movement said the entry was an overt assault on the identity and status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Hamas also said the move provoked the sentiments of the Palestinian people and the Arab and Muslim worlds.
Hamas said repeated entries into Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jewish religious rituals carried out in the area and excavations beneath the holy site could not alter its identity. The movement added that attempts to establish a new fait accompli in Jerusalem and at Al-Aqsa Mosque would not create rights over the holy sites.
Hamas called on Palestinians to go to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque and stand guard there to protect them. It also urged Arab and Muslim countries to fulfill their responsibilities toward Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Old City turned into a military zone
The Jerusalem Governorate said Netanyahu and several Israeli ministers entered the Buraq Wall courtyard on Saturday evening. The governorate said Israeli forces turned the Old City into a military zone to protect the settlers’ passage into the area.
Thousands of Israeli settlers passed through Wadi Street in the Old City to reach the Buraq Wall courtyard, the Jerusalem Governorate said. Security measures in Jerusalem were also tightened ahead of Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur is one of the major Jewish religious days and is observed through fasting, prayer and the suspension of some daily activities. The Jerusalem Governorate warned in recent days that activity around Al-Aqsa Mosque could increase during Jewish religious holidays, along with attempts to impose new religious rituals in the area.
Different views on the status of the Buraq Wall
Israel exercises full control over the Buraq Wall and considers the site sacred to Jews. The Islamic Waqf Department and the Jerusalem Governorate, however, regard the Buraq Wall courtyard as part of Al-Aqsa Mosque, which falls under the Islamic endowment.
Israeli authorities keep the courtyard open throughout the day. Security checks are carried out at the entrances while religious ceremonies, celebrations and official ceremonies are held in the area.
