Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas derided the Jewish connection to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem during an event Tuesday honoring Al Aksa Mosque. Israel is trying to destroy the mosque in order to build a “fake Temple,” he said, adding, “Fiction and legend do not create rights.”

The PA has often accused Jews of attempting to harm the Al-Aksa mosque and to “Judaize” Jerusalem. Abbas dragged out the “Judaization” claim as well, accusing Israel of attempting to drive Christians and Muslims away from holy sites.