Israeli police have arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, imam of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, from within the mosque’s courtyards in occupied Jerusalem.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Israeli forces detained Sheikh al-Abbasi on Monday evening without providing an explanation. The report said the move comes amid heightened Israeli restrictions at the mosque, including limitations on imams and worshippers, tighter entry controls, and increased incursions by Israeli settlers under police protection.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hamas condemned the arrest, saying Sheikh al-Abbasi had also been handed an order barring him from the mosque. The group described the action as direct interference in the affairs of Al-Aqsa and an attack on its religious leadership.
Hamas further alleged that Israeli authorities were intensifying measures at the site ahead of Ramazan, including restricting worshippers’ access and preventing logistical preparations for the holy month. It claimed that repeated settler visits and security measures were part of broader efforts to assert greater control over the compound and limit freedom of worship.
The group called on Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and within Israel to maintain a presence at the mosque. It also urged the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take urgent steps to safeguard the site and pressure Israel to halt what it termed violations.
Tensions have been rising in occupied Jerusalem, particularly in the Old City and around Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid increased security measures, arrests and ban orders targeting Palestinian religious figures and activists.