PLO official: Israel searches for “the alleged Temple” and seeks control over Al-Aqsa Mosque
“Secretary General of the PLO’s Executive Committee Yasser Abd Rabbo… related to the recent planned and calculated Israeli measures and projects to which the city of Jerusalem is subject, for the purpose of imposing a new reality on the city and even on the area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which faces daily and recurring invasions by settlers in an attempt to divide up [between Jews and Muslims] its space and [visiting] times. This [is happening] in addition to ongoing Israeli excavations conducted under the pretext of searching for the alleged 'Temple,' so that the occupation authorities will be able to tighten their hold and control of it [the Al-Aqsa Mosque]."
Note: The PA considers any presence of Jews on the Temple Mount an "invasion." However, all visitors are subject to rigorous checks by Israeli security personnel before being granted access to the Temple Mount.
”The attempt to divide up [between Jews and Muslims] its space and [visiting] times” refers to a proposed law (May 2013) being reviewed in Israeli Parliament that would allow for both Jews and Muslims to pray on the Temple Mount. The law seeks to implement separate prayer times for Muslims and Jews at the site.
Note: The PA considers any presence of Jews on the Temple Mount an "invasion." However, all visitors are subject to rigorous checks by Israeli security personnel before being granted access to the Temple Mount.
”The attempt to divide up [between Jews and Muslims] its space and [visiting] times” refers to a proposed law (May 2013) being reviewed in Israeli Parliament that would allow for both Jews and Muslims to pray on the Temple Mount. The law seeks to implement separate prayer times for Muslims and Jews at the site.