Hamas Calls on Palestinians to Defend Al-Aqsa Mosque

Hamas has urged Palestinians to defend Al-Aqsa Mosque on the 56th anniversary of the 1969 arson attack, warning against what it calls ongoing Israeli attempts to alter the site’s Islamic identity.

On Wednesday, Hamas issued a statement marking the 56th anniversary of the arson attack carried out on Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The group described the mosque as a central symbol of resistance and unity for Palestinians and the wider Muslim community.

“The city of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque will remain the symbol of the struggle against the Zionist enemy and the compass of the unity of our people and our nation in defending and supporting them,” the statement read. Hamas stressed that the call to defend the site remains urgent as Israeli policies continue to threaten its religious and cultural heritage.

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Remembering the 1969 Arson Attack

The fire at Al-Aqsa Mosque occurred on August 21, 1969, when an Australian Christian named Denis Michael Rohan set the site ablaze. His stated intention was to accelerate the building of a Jewish temple at the location.

The blaze destroyed a significant portion of the historic mosque, including the ancient pulpit known as the Minbar of Salahuddin. The incident sparked outrage across the Muslim world and drew widespread condemnation from international bodies, including the United Nations.

Since then, the anniversary has been commemorated annually by Palestinians as a reminder of the continuing struggle to preserve Al-Aqsa Mosque’s sanctity.

Warning Against Israeli Policies

In its latest statement, Hamas accused Israel of attempting to “obliterate” the Islamic identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem. It pointed to frequent raids by Israeli settlers under the protection of security forces, restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, and archaeological excavations near the site as part of what it described as a larger effort to alter the status quo.

“The occupation continues to desecrate the mosque and violate its sanctity,” Hamas said, adding that such actions would not weaken Palestinian determination to defend the holy site.

The group’s call also comes amid heightened tensions in Jerusalem, where confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces often erupt around religious sites.

Call for Mobilization

Hamas urged Palestinians across Jerusalem, the West Bank, and beyond to travel to Al-Aqsa Mosque, particularly during times of increased restrictions. It called on them to remain in seclusion (itikaf) inside the mosque, a religious practice of staying within the holy site for worship and protection.

“They must confront all attempts by extremists to storm and desecrate it and thwart their plans,” the group emphasized.

The statement reflects Hamas’s broader strategy of framing Al-Aqsa Mosque as a unifying cause for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide. By linking the defense of the mosque to national and religious identity, Hamas seeks to rally support across political and geographic divides.

Regional and International Reactions

The anniversary of the arson attack and Hamas’s renewed call are likely to draw responses from Arab and Muslim-majority countries. In past years, leaders from Jordan, Turkey, and other nations have condemned Israeli actions around Al-Aqsa Mosque and called for respect of international agreements regarding holy sites in Jerusalem.

Jordan, which serves as the custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, has repeatedly warned Israel against altering the historic and legal status of Al-Aqsa. The Hashemite Kingdom has stressed that the compound is an Islamic place of worship reserved exclusively for Muslims.

International organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have also highlighted the need to preserve the mosque’s integrity.

Symbol of Resistance

For Palestinians, Al-Aqsa Mosque represents more than a religious site. It has become a powerful symbol of resistance against occupation and a focal point of national identity. The memory of the 1969 arson attack continues to fuel political and religious sentiments, keeping the issue at the forefront of Palestinian discourse.

As the anniversary passes, tensions around the site remain high, and Hamas’s call for mobilization underscores the fragile situation in Jerusalem. The group insists that defending Al-Aqsa is both a religious duty and a national responsibility.