Hamas political bureau member Khaled Meshaal has warned that Israeli actions and measures around Al-Aqsa Mosque are "paving the way for total control and domination over the site." Meshaal stated that these measures include a reported 40-day closure of the mosque, the imposition of temporal division to facilitate incursions by "extremist Jewish groups," and efforts to create "spatial division" by emptying key facilities within the courtyard.
According to a statement, Meshaal said Al-Aqsa "stands at a crossroads" and called for steps to protect the site, including a "strategy of resistance and jihad." He also urged Arab and Muslim countries to back Palestine and called on Palestinians to keep a "steadfast presence" at the mosque.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have tightened restrictions around the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, closing roads and entrances to several towns and villages. This comes as Israeli authorities decided to impose a "comprehensive closure" on the West Bank and close crossings into the territory until Saturday for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
In a separate development, Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the team’s Nations League match against Israel, stating his decision was based on his opposition to the killing of civilians. The Republic of Ireland team will proceed with the match, but will wear black armbands and not shake hands with the Israeli players.
Additionally, two Palestinians were injured, one critically, on Sunday morning after an Israeli drone targeted a group of Palestinians in Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. Another Palestinian was injured when an Israeli drone struck near tents sheltering displaced people.
