Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, Israeli police have detained Sheikh Mohammad al-Abbasi, the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in occupied East Jerusalem. He was arrested from within the mosque compound, sparking renewed tensions in the Old City.
According to a report by TRT World on Tuesday (February 17), Sheikh al-Abbasi was taken into custody on Monday evening. Israeli authorities have not disclosed the specific reasons for his detention.
The report noted that Israeli measures around the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque have become increasingly strict in recent months. Restrictions have been imposed on imams, preachers, and worshippers, including limits on access for Muslims, while Israeli police maintain heightened security. These developments come amid rising disturbances by settlers in and around the mosque compound.
A few hours before his arrest, Israeli authorities had barred Sheikh al-Abbasi from entering the mosque for one week, with the possibility of extending the ban if necessary. Sheikh al-Abbasi stated that he was not informed of the reason for the restriction. Having recently returned to his duties after recovering from serious injuries sustained in a road accident, he expressed deep distress over the decision.
Israel’s actions just before the start of Ramadan have sparked anger among Muslims. Previously, Jerusalem’s former Grand Mufti Sheikh Ekrima Sabri accused the Netanyahu administration of planning to restrict Muslim access to Al-Aqsa during Ramadan.
In a statement, the Palestinian resistance group Hamas condemned the ban, calling it direct interference in Al-Aqsa’s internal affairs and an attack on religious freedom. The group also alleged that logistical preparations for the mosque ahead of Ramadan are being obstructed.
