Fatah Inspiring Temple Mount Riots

Inciting a riot is not just for Hamas anymore.  Fatah leaders have joined in the call for violence in recent tensions between Jews and Arabs in the Jerusalem area.

We have all gotten used to the pattern of events, described today by Ha’aretz, that leads to small clashes in the holy areas of the Old City.  Some unheard of religious Jewish group announces plans to visit the Temple Mount, which are not followed through with, but Arab media and leaders react anyway.

Muslim clerics, Palestinian politicians and members of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel urge Muslims to flock to the Al-Aqsa Mosque to defend it from Jewish “takeover attempts.” On the day of the “operation,” these groups arrive at the Temple Mount, accompanied by Arab media representatives (especially the Al Jazeera TV crew). They all wait until 7:30 A.M., when the Israel Police open the Mughrabi Gate to entry by non-Muslims. The Jewish groups do not even bother to show up, but the police who enter to enable the hypothetical visit are greeted with massive stone-throwing.

Meanwhile, Fatah members are in the mosque to express their solidarity and to prove that they aren’t being directed by Israel’s Arabs, but rather are leading this fight themselves. One of the most prominent figures present is the man who holds the Jerusalem portfolio for Fatah, Hatem Abdel Qader, who was arrested there this week on suspicion of incitement.

Doesn’t violence just hurt the Arab cause in Jerusalem?  I think so, but that’s just my opinion.  I am one of those “learn from history” types.  Violence didn’t work in the past, so why would it be productive for anything today?  If the Palestinians really want a state, this is not the way to get one.