Jews visiting the Temple Mount are “invaders and trespassers,” says PA mufti

Official PA TV program Fatwa

PA Mufti Muhammad Hussein: “Unfortunately the occupation is still continuing and intensifying its aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the holy sites… and the proof of this is what happened recently: Yesterday [Sept. 28, 2021] the so-called Sukkot holiday ended for the Jews, and the alleged Temple associations and extremist settler associations are proud that they made great achievements during this holiday, including that they entered the holy area of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque in large numbers as invaders and trespassers.There were more than 5,000 or 6,000 invaders and trespassers into the area of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in less than 10 days. Among them were Israeli Parliament members and ministers… When you invade the place of worship of someone else, of the Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, these break-ins and aggressions and attempts – whether they entered in clothing [with pictures of former Israeli Parliament Member Rabbi Meir] Kahane, attempted to blow a shofar (i.e., ceremonial horn), or held Talmudic (i.e., Jewish) prayers – none of this gives them a right in any way. They are entering as invaders and trespassers and entering by force. In other words, this break-in and aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as long as it is by these invaders and trespassers, it is an occupation by force and they are entering by force of weapons, and by force of the many security members of different types… In effect they are entering as occupiers, every day they occupy the blessed mosque by military force and with the weapons of the armed soldiers.”

[Official PA TV, Fatwa, Sept. 29, 2021; Oct. 1, 2021]

Break-in/Invasion/attack of Al-Aqsa Mosque - The PA and its leaders misrepresent all of the Temple Mount as an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Therefore, they vilify 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. Israeli police ban Jewish prayer at the Temple Mount because of threats of violence by Palestinians.

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