Jerusalem, Israel – Web Desk: Israeli authorities have detained Sheikh Muhammad Al-Abbasi, the senior imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The arrest took place on Monday evening within the mosque’s compound, though officials have not disclosed the formal reason.
The move comes amid heightened security measures and restrictions on worshippers entering Al-Aqsa ahead of Ramadan. Some religious figures have reportedly received official orders restricting their access to the holy site.
Hamas condemned the detention, stating that preventing the imam from entering the mosque constitutes interference in religious affairs. Israeli police announced that security would be further tightened around Al-Aqsa during Ramadan. Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of limiting worshippers’ access to the mosque.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, is located in East Jerusalem, an area occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. While Jewish visitors are permitted in the compound, they are not allowed to perform prayers.
