PLO official condemns “invasion” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Jewish visitors; called on Palestinians to carry out Ribat there
Headline: “Qurei condemned the settler procession in occupied Jerusalem”
“PLO Executive Committee member and Head of the Department for Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed Qurei condemned the invasion by more than 700 extremist settlers of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque plazas, which constitutes a dangerous precedent like no other…
Qurei called on the members of our people and everyone who can to come to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray and carry out Ribat (i.e., religious conflict/war over land claimed to be Islamic) there. This is particularly in light of the escalation of tension in the Old City [of Jerusalem] and its surroundings due to the streaming and gathering of settlers in unprecedented numbers in order to hold processions (see note below –Ed.), which the occupation government called for and which will pass throughout the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque plazas."
The article apparently refers to processions on Jerusalem Day, May 24, 2017, when thousands of Israelis paraded in Jerusalem, marking its liberation 50 years ago.
The PA and its leaders consider all of the Temple Mount an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore they view any presence of Jews on the mount as an "invasion." It should be noted that Jews who visit the Temple Mount only enter some sections of the open areas, and do not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock.
“PLO Executive Committee member and Head of the Department for Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed Qurei condemned the invasion by more than 700 extremist settlers of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque plazas, which constitutes a dangerous precedent like no other…
Qurei called on the members of our people and everyone who can to come to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to pray and carry out Ribat (i.e., religious conflict/war over land claimed to be Islamic) there. This is particularly in light of the escalation of tension in the Old City [of Jerusalem] and its surroundings due to the streaming and gathering of settlers in unprecedented numbers in order to hold processions (see note below –Ed.), which the occupation government called for and which will pass throughout the Old City and the Al-Aqsa Mosque plazas."
The article apparently refers to processions on Jerusalem Day, May 24, 2017, when thousands of Israelis paraded in Jerusalem, marking its liberation 50 years ago.
The PA and its leaders consider all of the Temple Mount an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore they view any presence of Jews on the mount as an "invasion." It should be noted that Jews who visit the Temple Mount only enter some sections of the open areas, and do not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock.