A Hamas leader called on Palestinians to march to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque at the start of Ramadan, raising the stakes in ongoing negotiations for a Gaza cease-fire.

"This is a call to our people in Jerusalem and the West Bank to march to Al-Aqsa on the first day of Ramadan," Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said.

Part of the Haram al-Sharif complex, the mosque and is the third holiest site in Islam. The compound is also known as the Temple Mount and is the most sacred site in the Jewish faith. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the spot has long been a flashpoint for potential violence, especially during religious holidays.

Israeli government spokesman Tal Heirich called Haniyeh's remarks "very unfortunate" and accused him of "trying to drag us to wars on other fronts."

The United States on Wednesday urged Israel to let Muslims worship at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

"As it pertains to Al-Aqsa, we continue to urge Israel to facilitate access to Temple Mount for peaceful worshippers during Ramadan consistent with past practice," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "It is not in Israel's security interest to inflame tensions in the West Bank or in the broader region."

The call by Haniyeh followed comments by US President Joe Biden that an agreement between Israel and Hamas could be reached as early as next week for a cease-fire during the Muslim fasting month, which this year is expected to begin on March 10.