Hamas threatens new escalation if settlers hold Jerusalem rally

A top Hamas official on Monday warned of renewed violence if right-wing pro-settler organisations hold a controversial march Thursday in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

"We warn the occupation (Israel) against letting the march approach east Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday," senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya said.

"We hope the message is clear so that Thursday doesn't become (a new) May 10," he said, in reference to the start of last month's 11-day war between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip.