Abbas’ religious advisor denies the claim that he condemned violence against Jews

Image and text posted on the Facebook page of PA Supreme Shari’ah Judge Mahmoud Al-Habbash

Posted text: “Just for your information and nothing more: Let those who are barking not think their foolish barking has any value. ‘They only invent falsehood who do not believe in the verses of Allah, and it is those who are the liars’ [Quran 16:105, Sahih International translation], Almighty Allah spoke the truth.”

The image shows a post from the independent Palestinian news agency Shehab, which reads: “Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Habbash condemned the attack against the settlers in Ramallah and the burning of their car. Al-Habbash: Violence is forbidden according to Shari’ah law.” On top of the post, the words “Fake news” have been added in a red box.

The report refers to an incident in which two Israeli Jews accidentally drove into Ramallah on Dec. 1, 2021, where a Palestinian mob attacked them and burned their car.

Mahmoud Al-Habbash also serves as Chairman of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah Justice. In August 2019 PA Chairman Abbas dismissed all his advisors by Presidential decree. It is unclear what their status is today.