Temple Mount closed again because Mufti and Waqf demand Muslims not submit to security checks.
Mahmoud al-Aloul, deputy chief of the Palestinian Authority, told a Ramallah radio station that the new security measures were “an insult” and “unacceptable. We absolutely refuse to these measures. Israel must prevent settlers from entering the compound.” It was the permission that Israel gave to Jews to enter the compound that was responsible for the terror attack. “Israel and the army are to blame for the attack,” he said. “We must stop them from taking over the Al Aqsa Mosque.”
What a bizarre reversal of facts. It was the presence of Jews in a Jewish Holy Place which "caused" the terror attack.
The message from the Mufti, the Waqf and the PA is clear: the Temple Mount is for Muslims only and we'll smuggle guns and murder people if Muslim exclusivity is not upheld. We reject the right of the Jewish people to self-preservation, even in holy, sacred places. We reject the right of the sovereigns of Israel to protect it citizens, guests and visitors, using security measures.
I'm not so upset at the three terrorists. I really do believe that there are extremists who are willing to commit evil acts. But the response by the Mufti, and Waqf and the PA is appalling.
Its time for a new status quo. The Temple Mount and all shared *cough stolen cough* sacred spaces must be under the control of people who believe in protected and equal access. If the Waqf, the PA, Palestinians and Muslims in general can't get on board with that, then they don't deserve to be a part of it.
A reminder of the terms of agreement for religious significance made between Jordan and Israel:
Article 9. Places of Historical and Religious Significance and Interfaith Relations
1. Each Party will provide freedom of access to places of religious and historical significance.
2. In this regard, in accordance with the Washington Declaration, Israel respects the present special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Muslim Holy shrines in Jerusalem. When negotiations on the permanent status will take place, Israel will give high priority to the Jordanian historic role in these shrines.
3. The Parties will act together to promote interfaith relations among the three monotheistic religions, with the aim of working towards religious understanding, moral commitment, freedom of religious worship, and tolerance and peace.