Israel arrests imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli police have arrested the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that he was arrested inside the mosque. The incident has sparked renewed tensions in the Old City. On Monday evening (February 16), local time, Israeli forces arrested Imam Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. However, Israeli police did not give a specific reason for the arrest.
Wafa reported that Israeli restrictions around Al-Aqsa have recently been tightened. In addition to strict restrictions on imams, preachers and worshipers, restrictions on entry have been imposed. At the same time, the infiltration of settlers under police protection has also increased.
Israel’s behavior just before the start of the holy month of Ramadan has sparked anger among Muslims. Earlier, former Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Sheikh Ekrima Sabri alleged that the Netanyahu administration was planning to restrict Muslims’ access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the month of Ramadan.
In a statement, the Palestinian independence movement Hamas said that the order to ban entry to the Al-Abbasi Mosque had been issued. It claimed that this was a direct interference in the internal affairs of Al-Aqsa and an attack on religious freedom. The organization alleged that logistical preparations at the mosque ahead of Ramadan were also being disrupted.