PLO official warns of “religious war” because of “violations” against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, including “alleged Temple organizations”
Headline: "Qurei: The extremists and settlers are pushing the situation in Jerusalem in the direction of a religious war"
"PLO Executive Committee member and Head of the [PLO] Department of Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed Qurei warned against the outbreak of a religious war in Jerusalem as a result of the acts and violations of the Israeli occupation and its settlers. Qurei explained today (Tuesday) [Aug. 1, 2017] in a press statement that the 'alleged Temple organizations' are implementing a policy of incitement. He noted that they announced the organization of a procession with many participants from the new gate of the Old City [of Jerusalem], and called for wide participation today in invasions of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. The head of the [PLO] Department for Jerusalem Affairs said that the violations that are escalating in the holy city [of Jerusalem] are a crime that is encouraged by the Israeli occupation government, which is fully responsible for the violence and terror that are taking place."
"Alleged Temple organizations” refers to religious Jewish movements, including the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation, The Jewish Freedom on the Temple Mount initiative and Students for the Temple Mount, which spread awareness of the importance of the Temple Mount in Judaism and encourage people to visit the Temple Mount.
The PA and its leaders consider all of the Temple Mount an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore they view any presence of Jews on the mount as an "invasion." It should be noted that Jews who visit the Temple Mount only enter some sections of the open areas, and do not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock.
"PLO Executive Committee member and Head of the [PLO] Department of Jerusalem Affairs Ahmed Qurei warned against the outbreak of a religious war in Jerusalem as a result of the acts and violations of the Israeli occupation and its settlers. Qurei explained today (Tuesday) [Aug. 1, 2017] in a press statement that the 'alleged Temple organizations' are implementing a policy of incitement. He noted that they announced the organization of a procession with many participants from the new gate of the Old City [of Jerusalem], and called for wide participation today in invasions of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. The head of the [PLO] Department for Jerusalem Affairs said that the violations that are escalating in the holy city [of Jerusalem] are a crime that is encouraged by the Israeli occupation government, which is fully responsible for the violence and terror that are taking place."
"Alleged Temple organizations” refers to religious Jewish movements, including the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation, The Jewish Freedom on the Temple Mount initiative and Students for the Temple Mount, which spread awareness of the importance of the Temple Mount in Judaism and encourage people to visit the Temple Mount.
The PA and its leaders consider all of the Temple Mount an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore they view any presence of Jews on the mount as an "invasion." It should be noted that Jews who visit the Temple Mount only enter some sections of the open areas, and do not enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the Dome of the Rock.