Hamas censures Israeli ban on Muslim prayer call as 'dangerous escalation'
The Hamas resistance movement has vehemently denounced the preliminary approval by the Israeli Knesset (parliament) of a far-right bill aimed at banning the Muslim call to prayer (adhan) over loudspeakers at mosques in the Old City of al-Quds and elsewhere across the occupied territories, terming the move as "a perilous escalation" against Muslim sacred sites and the Palestinian identity.
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the movement asserted that the proposed legislation represents an infringement on the freedom of worship, and contravenes international standards that safeguard religious practices and places of worship.
Hamas noted that the bill is part of a larger Israeli strategy designed to target Muslim holy sites, and to erase the Arab and Islamic identity of Palestinian territories.
The movement stated that the ongoing introduction of laws aimed at Arab and Islamic symbols signifies an increase in extremism within Israeli policies, and is part of broader efforts to Judaize occupied al-Quds, especially concerning the al-Aqsa Mosque and other Muslim sacred sites.
Hamas emphasized that the call to prayer will continue to be a lasting symbol of Islam and a fundamental aspect of the identity of the Israeli-occupied al-Quds and other Palestinian lands.
It emphasized that the Israeli legislation will not silence the voices of the mosques nor change the history and identity of Palestinian territories.
The movement urged Palestinians, the Arab and Muslim communities, as well as religious and human rights organizations, to enhance their efforts to protect the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and other Muslim holy sites, support the steadfastness of Palestinians in al-Quds, resist restrictions on the freedom of worship, and bring attention to Israeli policies in international forums.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli Knesset approved the proposed "Muezzin Bill" in a preliminary vote, with a tally of 50 in favor and 36 against.
The legislation aims to limit the use of loudspeakers in places of worship, especially in mosques, citing the need to mitigate noise pollution, as reported by Israeli media.
Support for the bill came from members of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, under the leadership of Avigdor Lieberman, as well as lawmakers from the Shas party, which has led to criticism from members of the Ra’am party.
Despite its preliminary reading, the bill must undergo three more readings before it can be enacted into law.
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