Hamas Warns of Escalation Amidst Jerusalem Settlement Expansion
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Hamas has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s latest settlement expansion plans in Jerusalem. The Islamic Resistance Movement described the scheme, which aims to construct approximately 9,000 new housing units on land near the Qalandia Airport, as a direct assault on the city of Jerusalem and its Islamic holy sites.
Harun Naser al-Din, a member of Hamas’s political bureau responsible for Jerusalem affairs, highlighted the timing of the project alongside settlers installing Hanukkah menorahs near the Al-Qatanin Gate of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He characterized these actions as a dangerous escalation of Judaization and provocative measures against the sacred site.
Al-Din asserted that these activities receive full support from Israeli forces as part of a deliberate strategy to impose new realities, alter the religious and historical identity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and violate international laws and resolutions.
He warned that continued settlement construction, encroachments on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and attacks on worshippers would have severe consequences for the occupiers. He emphasized that the policy of religious incitement would only fuel further anger and confrontation.
Al-Din urged the Islamic community and freedom advocates worldwide to take responsibility in defending Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and to halt the Judaization policies and aggressions. He affirmed that the Arab-Islamic identity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque would remain unchanged despite these actions.
