After Israel Removes Al-Aqsa Security Measures, ‘Abbas, Fatah Call For Continuing The Struggle | Memri

Throughout the current Al-Aqsa crisis, PA President Mahmoud ‘Abbas has maintained a relatively restrained tone in his statements outlining the PA’s position. He stressed that “[East] Jerusalem is Palestinian,” and that the struggle is not just about removing the security measures at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, but is a broader struggle for sovereignty over and control of the area. He praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and expressed support for their actions, but took care not to openly call for escalation. However, statements by senior Fatah officials show a different picture; according to them, ‘Abbas has ordered an escalation of the struggle.