P.A. judge: Selling property to Jews punishable by death

       JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Palestinians who sell their property to Jews are committing a crime punishable by the death penalty, the Palestinian Authority warned.

The warning about the long-standing fatwa, or religious decree, against selling property to Jews was issued Wednesday following reports that American Jewish businessmen had purchased several acres of land on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem from its Palestinian owners.

The P.A.'s chief Islamic judge, Sheik Tayseer Rajab Tamimi, issued the warning, saying it also applies to real estate agents and landlords who rent to Jews. The punishment also includes being ostracized by community and family.

Tamimi reportedly said that the ban is in place to prevent Israeli officials from taking control of Arab land in Jerusalem.