Israeli police has arrested the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, from inside the mosque’s courtyards in occupied Jerusalem.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa cited local sources. They reported that “Israeli forces detained Sheikh al-Abbasi inside the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque“ on Monday evening. They did not provide any reason for the detention.
It added that the arrest “comes amid escalating Israeli measures against the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. These include restrictions on imams, preachers, and worshippers stationed there. There are also limitations on the entry of worshippers. Additionally, there are intensifying incursions carried out by settlers under heavy protection from Israeli police”.
Hamas condemned the arrest of al-Abbasi in a statement on Tuesday. They stated that he had been “served with an order banning him from the mosque”.
The movement said the measure “constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of Al-Aqsa and an unacceptable assault on its imams”.
Hamas added: “The escalating violations by the fascist occupation government against the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque are dangerous interventions. They include the imposition of restrictions on worshippers’ access and the prevention of logistical preparations for the month of Ramazan. These actions fall within its persistent attempts to control the mosque. There is also an intensification of raids by settler groups. These raids aim to Judaize the mosque. They also aim to restrict freedom of worship there and impose temporal and spatial division.”
The movement called on the “Palestinian people in Jerusalem. People across the West Bank and inside the 1948 territories were also urged to remain stationed at Al-Aqsa. They should travel to it and maintain its presence. They are also to stand as a bulwark against plans to tamper with its identity”.
Hamas urged the Arab League to take urgent action. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab and Islamic nations should also act through all possible channels. They should protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from the danger of Judaization. They are also asked to take practical steps to pressure the occupation and force it to halt its violations.
Occupied Jerusalem has been witnessing rising tensions. This is particularly true for the Old City and the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israeli security measures have tightened, leading to arrests and ban orders against religious figures. There are also actions against Palestinian activists in Jerusalem.
Israeli police have said they would deploy in force around the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramazan. Palestinian officials have accused Israel of imposing restrictions at the compound.
Over the course of the month of fasting and prayer, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians traditionally attend prayers at Al-Aqsa. It is Islam’s third-holiest site. It is located in east Jerusalem. Israel captured it in 1967 and later annexed the area.
The Al-Aqsa compound is a central symbol of Palestinian identity and also a frequent flashpoint.
Under long-standing arrangements, Jews may visit the compound, but they are not permitted to pray the
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