MB Denies Reports It Issued Fatwa Recognizing Israel

Dr. Mohamed Habib, the Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), in statements to Ikhwanweb, has categorically denied media reports, citing the Israeli ‘Yediot Aharonot’ newspaper, purporting the issuance of a fatwa (religious decree) by the MB Chairman making it permissible to recognize Israel.


Habib said, “This is completely untrue; no fatwa has been issued either by the MB or Mr. Chairman himself in this regard “The news story is intended to spread doubts about the Muslim Brotherhood.” he added


Conditions to achieve peace in the Middle East


Habib affirmed that there will be no talk about peace untill our rights are fully restore, which include:
 The withdrawal of the Zionist entity (Israel) from the occupied Palestinian territories to the 1967 borders, as a minimum, and the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital
 Releasing the 9,000 Palestinian detainees from Israeli occupation prisons and the removal of the Apartheid Wall and all Zionist settlements
 Israeli recognition of the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.


Nature of Hamas relations with MB


With regard to Hamas’ relations with the Muslim Brotherhood, Habib said, “Hamas movement follows the same ideas, principles and objectives of the MB. They may seek advice from the MB but they have the full freedom to take their own decisions.


Hamas denies Brotherhood’s Fatwa to Recognize Israel


Hamas is denying reports in the Israeli press that the Muslim Brotherhood is allowing the recognition of Israel.


The Israeli Yediot Aharonot reported on Friday that the leader of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Mahdi ‘Akif issued a fatwa, or a religious decree, which allows Hamas to recognize Israel.


But a Hamas spokesman said the problem lies with the Israeli, not the Palestinian mindset.


“Israel is the one that doesn’t recognize the right of our people and doesn’t recognize us,” he said, according to the Palestinian daily Al-Quds.


The Muslim Brotherhood was founded in Egypt in 1928. It branched out into other countries in the Middle East and was the inspiration for other Islamist organizations such as the Palestinian Hamas.


Meanwhile, Khalid Mash’al, known as the head of Hamas’ political bureau, said on Iranian Television on Saturday that Hamas will not recognize Israel, despite international pressure.


The international community is cutting off aid to the Palestinian Authority, insisting that Hamas recognizes Israel, renounces terrorism and accepts previously signed agreements with Israel.


The United States and Israel designate Hamas a terrorist organization.


Delegates from the 22-member Arab League asked the new Palestinian government on Saturday to adopt an Arab peace plan from 2002, which aims to end the conflict with Israel.


Mahmoud A-Zahhar, who heads external affairs in the Palestinian government, said he would convey the message to his government, but he made no commitment to the initiative and he noted that Israel had not accepted the Arab peace plan.