Khaled Meshaal, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, issued a statement warning that recent Israeli actions surrounding the Al‑Aqsa Mosque are creating conditions for complete control of the compound. The remarks were reported by Middle East Eye, which cited Meshaal’s assessment that the developments represent a systematic effort to dominate the site that holds religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
Meshaal highlighted a reported 40‑day closure of the mosque as one of the key steps taken by Israeli authorities. He described the shutdown as part of an “imposition of temporal division” intended to facilitate incursions by what he termed “extremist Jewish groups.” The temporal restriction, according to the Hamas official, is designed to limit Muslim worship while allowing other groups to access the area.
The statement also referred to attempts to create a “spatial division” within the Al‑Aqsa compound. Meshaal said Israeli measures aim to empty essential facilities located in the courtyard, thereby altering the physical layout of the site. He argued that clearing these spaces would reduce the presence of Muslim worshippers and enable greater control over the area’s infrastructure.
According to Meshaal, Al‑Aqsa “stands at a crossroads” amid these developments. He warned that the combination of temporal and spatial restrictions could lead to a situation where the holy site is effectively governed by external forces. The Hamas official framed the situation as a turning point that could reshape the status quo of the contested religious complex.
The Hamas political bureau member concluded that the series of Israeli measures are “paving the way for total control and domination over the site.” He called for heightened awareness of the implications for the Muslim community and for the broader regional dynamics surrounding Jerusalem’s holy places. No further comment was provided by Israeli officials in the report.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-police-guard-1500-jewish-settlers-storming-al-aqsa-mosque-0.