The Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian Territories, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, announced today that it is forbidden for Emiratis to pray in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, according to a fatwa he issued in 2012 against anyone who prints with and reconciles with Israel.
He told the German news agency (DPA) that he had issued a fatwa in 2012 "permitting visits to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa within certain criteria, not including normalization."
He added, "Since this (Emirati-Israeli) agreement bears the signs of normalization so visiting Jerusalem is not allowed and forbidden.
On the other hand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel reached last Thursday a historic agreement to normalize diplomatic relations between them under American auspices.
According to a tripartite joint statement issued by the three countries on Thursday, US President Donald J. Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan "spoke today and agreed on the full normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE.
The statement described the agreement as a "historic diplomatic breakthrough" and affirmed that it would contribute to "consolidating peace in the Middle East region.
The statement added that the agreement is evidence of the success of bold diplomacy, the vision of the three leaders, and the courage of the UAE and Israel in their determination to chart a new path that will allow the liberation of the great potentials in the region of the Middle East.
The three countries face many common challenges and will mutually benefit from this historic achievement.
Delegations from the UAE and Israel will meet during the coming weeks to sign bilateral agreements related to the sectors of investment, tourism, direct flights, security, communications, technology, energy, health care, culture, the environment, and establishing mutual embassies and other areas of mutual interest.
The joint statement stressed that "as a result of this diplomatic breakthrough and at the request of President Trump and with the support of the United Arab Emirates, Israel will stop the plan to annex Palestinian lands, in the southern part of the Western Bank in accordance with Trump's peace plan, and now focus its efforts on strengthening relations with other countries in the Arab and Islamic world.
The statement also stated that the start of peaceful diplomatic relations will bring together two of America's most powerful partners in the region, as the UAE and Israel will join the United States to launch a strategic agenda for the Middle East to expand diplomatic, commercial and security cooperation.
The United States, the UAE and Israel affirmed that they share "a similar view regarding threats and opportunities in the region, as well as a common commitment to enhancing stability through diplomatic participation, increasing economic integration and security coordination.
The United States and Israel expressed their appreciation for the participation of the UAE in a ceremony held at the White House on January 28, in which US President presented his peace plan.
The United Arab Emirates and Israel pledge to continue their efforts "to reach a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The statement indicated that according to the American peace plan, all Muslims may visit and pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that other holy sites in Jerusalem should remain open to worshipers of all religions.
On the other hand, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli PM Netanyahu expressed their deep appreciation to Trump for his dedication to bringing peace to the region, and for the unique practical approach he took to achieve it.
News agencies quoted White House officials as saying that a peace agreement was concluded in a phone call today between Trump, Netanyahu and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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