In his speech April 30 at Hamas’ annual ceremony celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in the presence of Palestinian armed factions’ leaders, political leaders, women, and youth and tribal groups, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was seen standing in front of a photo of Israeli forces storming the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque April 15. 

On that Friday, Israeli forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at Palestinian crowds inside the mosque in Jerusalem, and arrested 470 people, as they attempted to clear the courtyards from Palestinian worshippers to allow Israeli settlers to enter and hold Passover. 

Sinwar pointed at the photo saying, “This picture shall not be repeated. Whoever makes the decision to allow that to be repeated has decided to allow the violation of thousands of synagogues across the world.”

He continued, “We would rather not turn the battle with the occupation into a religious battle. But if the occupation and extremists want to turn the battle with the Palestinians into a religious war, then, challenge accepted,” he further said.