Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Islamic Supreme Council in Jerusalem, has warned of Israel's repeated attempts to impose its control over the mosque and Judaize Jerusalem. In a statement to Al-Masry Al-Youm, Sabri said that the frequency of Israeli settler break-ins into the mosque has increased noticeably this year, particularly during Jewish holidays.
Sabri explained that Israeli officials have begun to participate in these break-ins, which he believes serves two purposes: to boost their election campaigns by appealing to extremist sectors of Israeli society, and to send a message to the international community that Al-Aqsa Mosque is under Israeli control. This, he argued, encourages Jews abroad to participate in the break-ins.
The Imam emphasized that Israeli officials view Al-Aqsa Mosque as a trump card, but stressed that Palestinians and Muslims reject attempts to impose a new reality within the mosque. He asserted that Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs exclusively to Muslims, as decreed by God, and that Israeli claims to religious rights or ownership are baseless and rejected.
Sabri addressed a message to Arab and Muslim leaders, stating that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a trust in their hands, not just for the people of Palestine but for the entire Islamic world. He likened it to the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, calling on these leaders to assume their responsibilities towards Jerusalem.
Rafat Alian, a leader in the Fatah movement in Jerusalem, said that Israeli actions are part of an old plan to "Judaize" the city. He cited previous Israeli plans, including "Plan 2020" and "Plan 5050," which aim to reduce the Arab presence in Jerusalem. Alian accused Israel of trying to alter the status quo and impose a new reality, including changing the names of streets and alleys in the old city.
The warnings come as 1,317 Israeli settlers broke into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on the fifth day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, under tight Israeli police security. This has raised concerns about the escalation of Israeli actions and the potential consequences for the Islamic world.
According to the Jerusalem Governorate, the number of settlers who have stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of this year has risen to 52,277. The repeated break-ins and Israeli attempts to impose control over the mosque have sparked fears of further escalation and instability in the region.
Key points
- Israeli officials are participating in Al-Aqsa Mosque break-ins to boost their election campaigns and demonstrate control over the site.
- Sheikh Ikrima Sabri warned that God will hold accountable those who fail to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem.
- The number of Israeli settlers who have stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque this year has reached 52,277.
