Fatah high Official claims Jews "have no connection" to ancient synagogue, despite it being mentioned in the Oslo Accords
Official PA TV News, on Jews visiting the Maon archaeological site
Fatah Beita Branch Deputy Secretary Mahmoud Abu Zahra: “This area [Maon], dear brother, is an archaeological site (refers to ancient Jewish town in southern Har Hebron region containing an ancient synagogue mentioned in the Oslo Accords; see note below -Ed.). A number of times there have been break-ins to the site, on several occasions settlers came under the support, auspices, and protection of the Israeli occupation forces, and they held visits with which they are attempting to uproot the memory and history and claim that they have a historical connection to the site according to their religious belief, even though it has been proven in many studies that they have no connection to the site (sic.). Through these claims they are attempting to take control of this site, which has strategic significance due to its location.”
Maon is an ancient Jewish archaeological site in the southern Har Hebron region mentioned in the Bible (Joshua 15:55), which remained an active Jewish town until the Middle Ages. At the site is located the Maon Synagogue from approximately the 5th century, which the Oslo Accords relate to as a Jewish site. Oslo II Annex III Schedule 1 lists the site by name, applying to it Article 2 Paragraph 9 of the agreement that states: “Each side undertakes upon itself to respect sites in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which are regarded as holy, or which hold archaeological value. Each side shall have the right to raise issues relating to those sites before the Joint Committee which will consider the issue raised and reach an agreement upon such issue.
The sites listed in Schedule l are of archaeological and historical importance to the Israeli side. The Israeli side may notify the Palestinian side of other sites which shall be added to this list. The Palestinian side will take into consideration that actions which may affect these sites shall be referred to the Joint Committee for full cooperation.”