In a press release on Sunday, Hamas stressed that “the Israeli practices and ongoing aggression against the Palestinians in the territories occupied in 1948, including the national figures and leaders, will not alter their identity, status or loyalty to their homeland.”

It went on to hail Salah for his “heroic” role and struggle for Palestinian rights and constants and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Middle East Monitor reported.

“Through his detention, Sheikh Raed Salah is writing a new phase of his journey in defence of al-Quds,” Hamas said, pointing to the 28-month prison sentence handed to him.

The Palestinian resistance movement saluted all Palestinians “at home”, reiterating the importance of their role in staying committed to the Palestinian identity and homeland, and called on the all people to voice their solidarity with Sheikh Salah along with all Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.