In light of the escalating aggression by the occupation against Al-Aqsa Mosque, and as part of a continuous and systematic plan to change its identity and impose complete control over it, the early days of the month of Ramadan witnessed unprecedented violations aimed at undermining the sanctity of the mosque and the rights of Muslims within it. These violations were not limited to mere temporary or circumstantial challenges but were calculated steps within a substitution plan aimed at Judaizing Al-Aqsa and imposing a new reality that aligns with the occupation's ambitions to alter the Islamic character of the holy city.

This aggression has manifested in several forms, most notably in the early days of the holy month, confirming that what is happening is not merely transient security measures, but part of a comprehensive Zionist project that seeks to eliminate the Islamic presence at Al-Aqsa as a precursor to establishing the alleged Temple on its ruins.

And Allah, the Exalted, reminds us in His Noble Book in the saying: (Who could be more wicked than those who prohibit the mention of God’s name in His places of worship and strive to have them deserted? Such people should not enter them without fear: there is disgrace for them in this world and painful punishment in the Hereafter.) (Al-Baqarah:114)

In the face of this dangerous escalation and the existential threat to Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Jerusalem International Foundation warns that these assaults go beyond being temporary military measures; they are part of a comprehensive plan aimed at eliminating the Islamic presence in Al-Aqsa. This scheme is not new; the occupation continues to implement its expansionist project, taking advantage of the international community's negligence and its weak stance.

From here, the institution affirms that defending Al-Aqsa has become a crucial battle that is not limited to Palestinians only but is the responsibility of the entire Islamic nation.

One of the most notable forms of this aggression that Al-Aqsa witnessed during the first days of Ramadan:

1. Preventing I'tikaf by force:

In a precedent not seen since 2014, the occupation prevented worshippers from performing i'tikaf (spiritual retreat) on the first Friday of Ramadan and forcefully removed the worshippers and those in retreat. This step aims to undermine one of the most prominent aspects of devotion at Al-Aqsa Mosque, which serves as a spiritual protection against the ongoing Zionist plans.

2. The hijacking of the audio system.

On March 9, the occupying forces stormed the Marwani Prayer Hall and seized two loudspeakers, under the pretext of not coordinating with the "Israeli" authorities. This move aims to disrupt prayers and prevent the sound from reaching the worshippers. This tactic is part of the occupation's plan to dominate the administration of the mosque, which is an exclusive right of the Islamic Waqf affiliated with the Jordanian government.

3. Intensification of the siege and tightening of restrictions:

The occupation imposed three consecutive military cordons around Al-Aqsa Mosque, starting from the outskirts of the city to its gates, which led to a decrease in the number of worshippers compared to previous years.

In another provocative move, the entry of Suhoor and Iftar meals into the mosque was banned, and inspection patrols were conducted inside the mosque, which constituted an insult to the worshippers and provocation to their spirituality during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Read also: The occupation announces war on "Al-Aqsa" during Ramadan.