Israel is "declaring an all-out religious war" according to PA Grand Mufti

Headline: “The [PA] Grand Mufti calls on the Arabs and Muslims to defend the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the occupation’s brutality”

“[PA] Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories and preacher at the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque Sheikh Muhammad Hussein called on the Arabs and Muslims to defend the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque from the plots that are being woven against it…

In a statement, Sheikh Hussein called for the help of the Arab and Islamic nations in order to defend… the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is groaning under the yoke of occupation and injustice, due to the occupation’s attacks on the worshippers within it, the destruction of property in the Southern Mosque (i.e., the Al-Aqsa Mosque itself), and the arrest of dozens of our people (refers to Arab riots on the Temple Mount and Israeli efforts to restore order -Ed.)…

He held the occupation authorities fully responsible for the consequences of the continuation of these crimes and violations against our defenseless people, its land, and its holy sites.

The mufti called on the Arab and Islamic peoples and the people of honor in the world to intervene to stop the recurring and escalating attacks against the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque…

He called on everyone who is able to come to the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to stay within it and defend it. He also held the occupation authorities responsible for the results of these despicable attacks, which increase and fan the flames of hatred in the region.

Sheikh Hussein explained that these acts by the occupation authorities constitute a declaration of all-out religious war, whose results are difficult to imagine.”

Muhammad Hussein also serves as Deputy Secretary-General and acting Secretary-General of the PLO Popular National Conference of Jerusalem.