The Al-Quds International Institution has called for Friday, Oct. 2, to be observed as a “Day of Support and Outrage for Al-Aqsa Mosque,” urging Palestinians and Muslims around the world to stand in solidarity with the mosque amid what it described as escalating Israeli violations.

In a statement, the institution said Israeli settler incursions and other violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque had intensified, particularly during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, raising concerns over attempts to further impose Israeli control over the holy site.

The institution said thousands of Israeli settlers had continued to enter the Al-Aqsa compound and carry out activities there, describing the developments as part of efforts to undermine the historic status quo and pave the way for the establishment of a so-called “Jewish Temple” at the site.

It called on Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank and Palestinian areas inside Israel to make their way to Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers and to reaffirm their presence at the site.

Those unable to reach the mosque were urged to hold Friday prayers in nearby squares, streets and open areas as an expression of solidarity with Al-Aqsa.

The institution also called on Arab and Muslim leaders to assume greater responsibility for defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and protecting its Islamic character.

It specifically urged Jordan, which has a longstanding custodial role over Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, to take stronger measures to preserve the historic status quo at Al-Aqsa and safeguard the role of the Islamic Waqf.

The institution said protecting Al-Aqsa was not only a responsibility for Palestinians but also a duty shared by the wider Muslim world.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in occupied East Jerusalem, remains one of the most important symbols of Palestinian national and religious identity and a central flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The latest appeal comes amid heightened tensions surrounding access to the compound and growing Palestinian concerns over efforts to change arrangements governing the site. (ILKHA)