Abbas warns against Jews entering Temple Mount through a second gate

Arabic media is upset over a reported plan to allow Jews to enter the Temple Mount through the Cotton Market Gate, in addition to the Rambam (Mughrabi/Morrocan) Gate that currently is the only way for non-Muslims to enter the holy site.

Jews who enter the Temple Mount generally walk counter-clockwise and exit through the Chain Gate, the gate which is immediately north of the Mughrabi gate. The Cotton Market Gate is further north still.

Arutz-7 posted the story as I was writing it:

A document published by Galei Tzahal (IDF Radio) on Monday morning reveals that the Tourism Ministry is considering opening the Cotton Merchant's Gate to the Temple Mount for Jewish visitors and tourists.

As the status quo stands, the Mughrabi Gate is the only point of entrance for Jews in visiting the holiest site in Judaism, and that point of access has repeatedly been targeted by Arab rioters for attacks as a means to force the closure of the site to Jews.

The large number of Jews and tourists trying to visit the holy site has led to long lines at the lone non-Muslim gate to the Temple Mount, which is located by the Kotel (Western Wall). Due to the backlog, the Tourism Ministry is apparently considering measures such as opening an additional gate.

Yehuda Glick, head of the LIBA Movement for Freedom of Movement on the Temple Mount, told Galei Tzahal that the status quo must be changed urgently.

"There are 11 entrances to the Temple Mount, ten of them open to Muslims, but only one open to tens of thousands of tourists and Jews who want to enter the Temple Mount," said Glick. "Each day the numbers waiting on line increase...this gate doesn't meet the needs."

The document was drafted in January, but the Tourism Ministry says it was not advanced mainly due to opposition by security sources to the move, given that it would require a heavy increase in security and likely spark further rioting and violence by Arab visitors to the Temple Mount.

Mahmoud Abbas reacted immediately to the report:

[Mahmoud Abbas] warned of the danger of statements and the Israeli Tourism Minister, who spoke about opening doors gate, especially for the Jews to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The presidency said in a statement on Monday that such statements are unacceptable and condemnable and unacceptable, because Jerusalem and its holy sites are a red line that may not be not allowed to be touched. He considers this step a unilateral move that destroy any chance for the return of the peace process.

Jews wanting to enter their holy spots are of course antithetical to peace. Barring Jews from worshiping in their sacred sites promotes peace. But banning Muslims from worshiping anywhere they want is against peace, and allowing them to usurp ancient Jewish holy spots is supremely supportive of peace.

No "human rights" groups have a problem with this double standard. Because the real rule is that whatever Jews want is to be opposed, and whatever Muslims want must be accommodated.