Abbas’ spokesman: Trump’s policies are "playing with fire," Jewish extremists are breaking in to the A-Aqsa Mosque
Headline: “Abu Rudeina: There is no legitimacy except for what the Palestinian people decides”
“In response to news reported by a number of sources and media outlets, which speak about things that Washington may present as a gift to [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu for winning the coming Israeli elections, official [PA] Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina said that there is no right or legitimacy to any process or decision that harms the Palestinians' rights and the international institutions.
Abu Rudeina said today (Monday) [Aug. 12, 2019] that carrying out an action such as this will have dangerous effects after [US President Donald] Trump’s declaration of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (see note below –Ed.), the continued break-ins to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Jewish settlers and extremists, and the American position regarding the refugees (apparently refers to US cutting aid to UNRWA; see note below –Ed.) and the salaries (rawatib) of the Martyrs and prisoners.
The official presidential spokesman described this step – if it is taken – as continuing to play with fire, and emphasized that the stability and security of the region are inseparable from each other, and there will not be peace at any price.”
US recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel - On Dec. 6, 2017, US President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Trump added that the final borders of Jerusalem will be determined during negotiations. The US embassy was transferred from Tel Aviv and opened in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018, the anniversary of Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 according to the Gregorian calendar.
Break-in/Invasion/attack of Al-Aqsa Mosque - The PA and its leaders misrepresent all of the Temple Mount as an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore, they vilify 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. Israeli police ban Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount because of threats of violence by Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump's administration announced on Aug. 31, 2018 that it was immediately cutting all $360 million of annual American funding to UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). Explaining the decision, the US State Department said, "The fundamental business model and fiscal practices that have marked UNRWA for years – tied to UNRWA’s endlessly and exponentially expanding community of entitled beneficiaries – is simply unsustainable and has been in crisis mode for many years. The United States will no longer commit further funding to this irredeemably flawed operation."
The move came after the US froze two planned payments to UNRWA in early January 2018 for more than $100 million, and the US administration spoke about the need to reexamine and conduct a reform of the UN body. This occurred after the PA refused to negotiate with Israel and cut diplomatic ties with America following US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Dec. 6, 2017.