![Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in the old city of Jerusalem on June 28, 2023. [Saeed Qaq - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/d2.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AA-20230628-31541169-31541149-EID_ALADHA_PRAYER_IN_JERUSALEM.jpg?fit=920%2C613&ssl=1)
Hamas yesterday stressed that the Palestinian people will continue to serve their legitimate cause of defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and preserving its Islamic identity at any cost, adding that the Israeli occupation’s policy in the Muslim holy mosque constitutes a provocation for Palestinians and all Muslims.
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem commented on Israeli settlers’ performance of Jewish religious rituals in the mosque’s compound. Qasem described the move as a “new escalation of the Israeli religious war against our holy sites” and Al-Aqsa’s identity.
The Hamas spokesperson stressed that Al-Aqsa is a “red line” for Muslims, adding that the Palestinian people have proven throughout their long struggle that they are willing and capable of defending Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem.