Islamic Jihad calls for ‘public mobilisation’ in defence of Al-Aqsa Mosque

Palestinian resistance movement Islamic Jihad yesterday called on the Palestinian people to carry out “public mobilisation” efforts to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque from attacks by Israeli Jewish settlers, Anadolu reported.

Islamic Jihad spokesman Tariq Selmi said: “What happened in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday was terrorism and aggression on all Arabs and Muslims.”

He added: “At a time when the Zionist enemy declares its aggressive intentions against the holiest of holy sites – Al-Aqsa Mosque – there are some states and rulers who insist on normalising relations with this enemy.”

Selmi reiterated that the Israeli occupation’s aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque “ignites the anger of all Muslims around the world.”

On Friday, the Palestinian Islamic Movement Hamas called for the Israeli occupation to stop “unleashing its stray herds” and stop provoking the Palestinians.

READ: Hamas slams Israeli provocations ahead of Al-Aqsa settler incursions

Hamas also called for Palestinians to visit Jerusalem and stay in Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to undermine the Israeli plans aiming to divide the compound.

Israeli media reported that around 2,500 Israeli Jewish settlers, including members of the Knesset and rabbis raided Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed rituals.