Abbas’ advisor: Iran war regulations “excuses and pretexts to justify the crimes against the [Muslim] holy sites”
Official PA TV host: "What is the reason for the closure of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and what is the occupation (i.e., Israel) aiming for with this act?"
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "Whatever the reasons, excuses, and pretexts being marketed by the occupation state to justify the crimes and violations it commits against the holy sites, foremost among them the Al-Aqsa Mosque, all these reasons are false, unacceptable, and illegal. Israel has no legal right to interfere in the affairs of the Al-Aqsa Mosque… The occupation government is illegal, and therefore all the laws and decisions that come from it – whatever their excuses, reasons, or pretexts – are illegal."
Video title: "Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash talks with [Official] PA TV about the real goals behind Israel's closure of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the activity of the Presidential Assistance Committee in the Gaza Strip"
[PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash, YouTube channel, March 6, 2026]
"The closure of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque" refers to Israel's closure of the entire Temple Mount due to security concerns of rocket fire from Iran and Lebanon during Operation Roaring Lion.