Israeli police have arrested an imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem shortly before the start of Ramadan, according to Palestinian media reports.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces detained Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi from the mosque’s courtyard on Monday evening. No official reason for the arrest was immediately disclosed by Israeli authorities.
The detention comes amid heightened security measures at the Al-Aqsa compound, with reports indicating tightened restrictions on worshippers seeking entry to the site. Palestinian sources have also claimed that several religious figures were issued orders barring them from accessing the mosque.
The Palestinian group Hamas condemned the arrest, stating that the imam had been ordered not to enter the mosque. In a statement, the group described the move as interference in the religious affairs of Al-Aqsa and called for an end to what it termed restrictions on worshippers.
Israeli police have said security arrangements around the site will be further reinforced during the holy month of Ramadan, citing safety considerations. However, Palestinian officials have accused Israel of limiting access to the mosque compound during significant religious periods.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, regarded as Islam’s third holiest site, is located in East Jerusalem — territory captured by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a focal point of longstanding tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.
Under longstanding arrangements governing the site, Jewish visitors are permitted to enter the compound at designated times but are not allowed to pray there. The status of the site remains highly sensitive and has frequently been at the center of political and religious disputes.
The arrest of the imam comes as Muslims across the region prepare for Ramadan, a period that traditionally sees increased attendance at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
