Abbas’ advisor accuses Israel of religious war against Islam

Abbas' religious advisor is portraying Israel as warring with Islam itself, thereby internationalizing the conflict as a Muslim duty and implicitly warning of Muslim violence if Israel is seen as harming Islamic symbols or holy sites.

PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Advisor on Religious Affairs and Islamic Relations Mahmoud Al-Habbash: "The continued incitement by the government and leadership of the occupation (i.e., Israel) against the religion of Islam, the holy sites, and religious rituals is part of the war that the occupation state is waging against the Palestinian people... The muezzin's call is considered an Islamic symbol and religious ritual. This occupation is fueling a religious war and turning the entire conflict into a religious conflict… The dangers arising from turning the entire conflict into a religious conflict, perhaps these complete fools are not aware of them, but the world could pay a heavy price as a result of these foolish behaviors because Muslims all over the world, led by the Palestinian people of course, will not allow harm to these religious holy sites."

[Official PA TV, June 6, 2026]

Al-Habbash commented on Israel's Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's party's proposed legislation in 2025 that would require permits for public address systems installed in mosques in Israel.