JERUSALEM -- The Palestinian Authority has again warned its people that selling homes and other properties to Jews would be a death-penalty offense.

Those who violate the religious order banning such activity would be accused of "high treason," said Sheik Tayseer Rajab Tamimi, chief judge of the PA, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The latest warning was issued Wednesday after reports that Jewish businessmen from the United States had purchased land from Palestinians on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

Referring to "suspicious real estate deeds," Tamimi called it a "grave sin" to sell houses and lands to Jews, the newspaper report said. He said that the ban also applies to real estate agents or middlemen involved in such transactions. He also banned renting.

The religious leader warned that anyone who ignores the edict would be punished in accordance with Islamic teachings and would also be ostracized by his community and family, the Post said.

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