MECCA, Friday, August 09, 2019 (WAFA) - President Mahmoud ‘Abbas‘ advisor for religious affairs Mahmuod al-Habbash warned against calls made by Jewish extremist groups for their followers to force their way into al-Aqsa mosque compound on the anniversary of the so called “Destruction of the Temple” on Sunday, which also marks Eid al-Adha holiday for Muslims.

Habbash stressed the need for the world to prevent this ‘crime’ from taking place before it is too late, stating that such move could trigger religious strife in the region if carried out.

Jewish hardline religious groups have called on their followers to force their way into Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday, the day Muslims mark Eid al-Adha holiday, one of the most important holidays in Islam that coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Makkah.

In response to these calls, the Higher Islamic Commission (HIC) in Occupied Jerusalem, the Council for Waqf and Islamic Affairs, and the Supreme Council of Fatwa, an Islamic body based in eastern Jerusalem, called on all mosques around the city of Jerusalem to close on Eid al-Adha, and for Muslims to head toward al-Aqsa mosque compound to protect the mosque and perform the Eid prayer there.

T.R.