Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed Tuesday that Jerusalem and defending Islamic and Christian holy sites constitute the highlight of the Palestinian national project. "Jerusalem and defending our Islamic and Christian sanctities are the most prominent headlines of the Palestinian national project," Abbas said according to an official statement released by the premiership office, after a cabinet meeting in Ramallah. Moreover, he urged PA officials to implement projects designed to support Palestinian citizens in Jerusalem, "the capital of Palestine." As recurring clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian activists continue to escalate tensions in Jerusalem, Abbas praised the "steadfastness" Palestinians have shown against Israeli occupation forces in the city lying at the crux of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He told officials that "Israels schemes to alter the genuine Palestinian identity of the city would fail." Earlier, Abbas decided he would not accept the holding of general elections without Jerusalem. Israel has barred the polls from being held in the city, forcing Abbas to call of the elections, drawing criticism. The presidents call on defending Jerusalem was made in wake of heightened tensions after hardline Jewish settlers threatened to storm the Al-Aqsa Mosque on May 9, which marks Jerusalem Day for Israelis. It so happens that the date chosen for the raid falls on the 28th day of Islams holy month of fasting, Ramadan. On that day, Muslims observe the Qadr Night by performing night prayers. Sheikh Abdelazeem Salhab, who heads the Islamic authority that oversees Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, warned against the grave repercussions of settlers storming Al-Aqsa and urged Arab and Muslim states worldwide to defend the sacred mosque. In Gaza, armed factions are stoking Palestinians to confront settlers seeking to divide and conquer Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem. "Our battle against the occupation in Jerusalem is an existential one," said senior Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan. In a presser, he called for Palestinians "performing Itkaf (a Muslim practice of staying in a mosque for a certain number of days) and flocking to Al-Aqsa on Ramadan 28 to confront settlers who vowed to break into the mosque".