The Gaza Strip-based terrorist group Hamas on Wednesday threatened an outbreak of violence if Jews are allowed to ascend the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Israel's Independence Day.
"Israel is playing with fire if it allows Jews to break into the al-Aqsa Mosque tomorrow. This fire play will drag the region into an escalation for which Israel will be responsible," the terror group said.
The Islamic Jihad also issued a statement ahead of Israel's Independence Day celebrations: "We will not hesitate to defend al-Aqsa and Jerusalem, and we warn of the consequences of the settlers' calls to invade the mosque. We call for al-Aqsa to come and confront the settlers. "