How did Palestinian officials respond to claims of political motives?

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Palestinian Officials Deny Political Motives Behind Eid Date Discrepancy

Palestinian officials have categorically denied any political motivations behind the decision to observe Eid al-Fitr on a different day than Saudi Arabia. The discrepancy, which marks the first time this has occurred since the formation of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, has been attributed by religious authorities to practical challenges in moon sighting. Despite these explanations, some Palestinians have speculated online about political undertones, particularly in the context of the forthcoming US peace plan.
Religious Authority Cites Sighting Challenges

The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories confirmed that Eid al-Fitr would commence on Wednesday, one day after Saudi Arabia. Ekrama Sabri, the head of the supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem, explained that the difference in dates stems from the inability of Palestinians to utilize the same advanced tools for moon sighting as Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, Sabri noted that the geographical landscape of Palestine does not facilitate the visual observation of the new moon, a crucial element in determining the start of Eid.
Egypt's Similar Observance Underscores Non-Political Reasoning

Further bolstering the argument against political influence, Sabri highlighted that Egypt, a nation considered a close ally of Saudi Arabia, was also scheduled to begin Eid celebrations on Wednesday. This alignment with Egypt's timing, he asserted, further negates claims that the Palestinian decision was politically driven or intended as a message in relation to regional politics or the US peace initiative.
Dissenting Group Rejects Official Decision

Notwithstanding the official pronouncements, a Palestinian Islamist group has publicly refused to adhere to the mufti's decision. This group has announced their intention to consider Eid al-Fitr as beginning on Tuesday, thereby observing the same date as Saudi Arabia. This internal disagreement underscores the sensitivity surrounding the Eid date determination and the differing interpretations within the Palestinian community.

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How did Palestinian officials respond to claims of political motives?

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