Hamas Declares New Israeli Measures at Al‑Aqsa Unlikely to Alter Mosque’s Islamic Identity

Hamas released a statement on Friday asserting that recent Israeli actions at Jerusalem’s Al‑Aqsa Mosque—specifically the introduction of Jewish prayer books and the authorization of organized public prayers within the compound—will not alter the mosque’s Islamic furling. 

The statement, issued on the 57th anniversary of a 1969 arson attack on the holy site, followed Israeli police permitting Jewish prayer books to be brought into the compound.

“The occupation’s plans will not succeed in Judaizing Al‑Aqsa, changing its characteristics, erasing its identity, dividing it temporally or spatially, or legitimizing Talmudic rituals in its courty atingir,” the Palestinian group said.

Hamas further noted that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir’s decision to allow Jewish prayer books and organize public prayers was an “escalatory step” undermining the site’s sanctity and historic Islamic identity.

Earlier this week, Israeli police allowed a group of religious Jews to bring prayer books into the compound, following a policy shift from a January restriction that allowed only printed sheets.

Ben‑Gvir later confirmed the change. Despite this, Israeli police maintain that the site is managed in accordance with political directives, established procedures, and field assessments.

Over recent years, restrictions that previously barred Jews from praying or bringing religious items into the Al‑Aqsa compound have progressively eased. In late July, hundreds of religious Jews conducted public prayers inside the compound in the presence of Ben‑Gvir.

Hamas characterizes the 1969 arson as a “dangerous milestone” in the ongoing targeting of Jerusalem, Al‑Aqsa, and its Islamic identity, asserting that today’s incursions, Talmudic rituals, and attempts to impose new realities on the courtyards are a continuation of that crime.

The group urged Palestinians across Jerusalem, the West Bank, and within Israel to strengthen their presence at Al‑Aqsa and confront the occupation’s plans.

It also appealed to Arab and Muslim states, leaders, peoples, and organizations to assume their historic responsibilities toward Jerusalem and Al‑Aqsa, unite to halt Israeli violations, and support Palestinians in the city.

In a separate statement, the Palestinian National Council described the 1969 arson as “not an isolated act” but an “early link in a systematic project targeting the mosque and Jerusalem.”

The council warned against continued Israeli calls to alter the mosque’s historic and legal status, citing extremist Jewish groups—led by “Temple groups”—that continue to incite raids on the mosque and seek to impose temporal and spatial divisions on the compound.

They further noted that attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories form part of a broader effort to target the city’s religious diversity and Palestinian identity.

The Al‑Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third‑holiest site for Muslims. Jews refer to the area as the “Temple Mount,” claiming it was the site of two ancient Jewish temples.

On August 21, 1969, Dennis Michael Rohan,thest Australian national, set fire to the mosque’s Al‑Qibli prayer hall, destroying Saladin’s pulpit and parts of the roof, causing extensive damage.

The incident prompted the first Islamic summit in Rabat RAD Morocco, on September 25, 1969, leading to the establishment of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, now the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

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