The imam of the revered Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Al-Abbasi, was detained by Israeli police on Monday evening. The arrest took place within the precincts of the mosque, located in occupied East Jerusalem. According to local sources cited by the Middle East Monitor, while the imam was apprehended from the mosque compound, Israeli authorities have yet to disclose the reason for his detention or any legal measures being pursued against him.
Local observers report that in recent months, various restrictions have been increasingly imposed on the mosque’s imam and khatibs (preachers). These measures include limiting access for worshippers, implementing strict police surveillance, and imposing arbitrary entry restrictions, which have, in effect, allowed Israeli settlers to increase their presence within the mosque compound.
Tensions in Jerusalem’s Old City and around the Al-Aqsa precinct have escalated in recent weeks. The detainment of religious leaders and human rights activists, coupled with forced evacuations, has become a recurring headline in local news, highlighting the growing strain in the area.
Meanwhile, Palestinians across the region began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Wednesday, 18 February. The first Taraweeh prayers were held on Tuesday, 17 February, at Al-Aqsa Mosque, attracting thousands of worshippers.
Prayer Observations and Security Presence
Eyewitnesses reported that both the prayer hall and open courtyards of the mosque were fully occupied during the service. Khatib Sheikh Yusuf Abu Sneine led the prayers, while online footage shows Israeli police enforcing tight security among the worshippers within the mosque grounds.
During the prayers, special restrictions were imposed on young Palestinian worshippers entering the compound. Although these limitations disrupted the natural flow of prayers to some extent, the worshippers continued to perform their religious duties with devotion.
The table below summarises recent key events at Al-Aqsa Mosque:
| Date | Event | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 February | First Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan | Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem | Thousands of worshippers participated |
| 17 February | Israeli police oversee security during prayers | Mosque compound | Officers present among worshippers |
| Monday, February | Arrest of Imam Sheikh Muhammad Ali Al-Abbasi | Al-Aqsa Mosque precinct | Reason for arrest not disclosed |
| Ongoing | Restricted access for worshippers and khatibs | Compound and Old City | Religious tensions rising |
Analysts suggest that these recent developments may introduce a new phase in the Israel–Palestine tensions. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site of profound significance to the Muslim community, has drawn both local and international attention due to the police interventions and the arrest of religious leaders.
With the onset of Ramadan, the situation is likely to remain highly sensitive, as worshippers navigate heightened security measures while observing their spiritual traditions.