The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has denounced the Israeli regime for allowing a hugely controversial far-right march by settlers in the occupied al-Quds.
In statement released on Sunday, Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanoa said the Palestinians had exclusive sovereignty over the al-Aqsa Mosque and that Israel will not succeed with its schemes. He said the so-called flag march will not grant Israel any sovereignty over the holy site.
The Hamas official also praised the strong unity and resistance by the citizens of al-Quds against the Israeli occupation.
Bassem Naim, the head of the department of politics and foreign relations of Hamas, earlier warned Israel it risks another war if it allows the regime’s flag-waving extremists to hold the march.
Palestinian resistance groups have already threatened they will not allow Israeli “provocations” to go by unanswered. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement said they would retaliate if Israel does not change the planned route of the parade and tries to approach al-Aqsa mosque.
The Palestinian Authority’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh also condemned the march and the “attacks on Palestinian citizens” in al-Quds.
The annual march by Israeli settlers through the Old City of al-Quds on Sunday was regarded by Palestinians as a blatant provocation.
At least 145 Palestinians were injured during clashes with Israeli forces and settlers throughout the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds.
The march was originally scheduled to be held on May 10, but Israel's right-wing groups shelved the controversial parade after police refused to authorize it and Hamas warned of the consequences.
The entire West Bank witnesses an upsurge in unrest every year prompted by the so-called “March of the Flags,” which marks Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds in 1967.