In West Bank, If Imams Can't Spread Hatred Of Israel, They Criticize The PA

The Palestinian Authority says the problem is what the imams are saying, but Hamas is claiming PA waging war on Islam, Allah

Hamas accused the Palestinian Authority on Tuesday of “waging war on Islam and Allah” by detaining and firing hundreds of imams and banning the recitation of the Koran over loudspeakers on mosques.


The allegation followed a series of measures taken by the PA against Hamas supporters and institutions in the West Bank.

It also came in response to the PA government’s decision to ban mosques from broadcasting recitations of the Koran ahead of the call to prayer by the muezzin – a practice that has existed for decades.

Hamas of course is painting this as the PA relenting to requests from Israeli settlers who they claim are complaining about the noise. On the other hand, the PA says it is doing this--including closing centers in mosques for teaching the Koran--to cut down on the influence and activities of Hamas.

The PA has banned a number of the imams because they have criticized PA policies during their Friday sermons. I suppose they the imams do have to find something else to talk about if indeed, as Abbas has claimed, he has prevented imams from inciting hatred of Israel.

But if this is what the PA has to do in order to maintain control, then it is just one more indication of how far they are from being able to maintain their own state.

Technorati Tag: Palestinian Authority and West Bank and Hamas .