Israel reward leading Saudi cleric's 'terror organisation' Hamas comments with invitation to visit

Saudi Arabia's leading Muslim cleric has condemned Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas as a "terror organisation", with his comments being warmly welcomed in Israel.

Israeli Communications Minister Ayoub Kara praised Saudi Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh's comments attacking the Gaza based political and militant group, offering the grand imam an invitation to visit Israel. 

"We congratulate Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, as well as the head of Ulema for his fatwa forbidding the fight against the Jews and forbidding to kill them," Kara tweeted.

"I invite the mufti to visit Israel; he will be welcomed with much respect."

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The Saudi cleric made the comments on a television programme after he was asked about the anger witnessed in July as Israel closed down al-Aqsa Mosque following a shootout. He said fighting Israel was inappropriate and described Hamas as a 'terror organisation'.

Clashes broke out between the Israeli military and Palestinians after the occupying army placed security installations around al-Aqsa compound last July.

The measures continued for 12 days, until Israel dismantled the security apparatus around the mosque following Palestinian protests and international pressure.