Al-Aqsa Imam Arrested: Israeli Police Detain Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi Ahead of Ramadan. -

In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, a senior imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, on Monday evening, February 16, 2026. The arrest took place directly within the mosque’s courtyards in occupied East Jerusalem without any immediate reason being provided by the authorities.

Context of the Detention

The incident occurred just hours after the Sheikh was served an order banning him from entering the Al-Aqsa compound for one week, a directive that remains subject to renewal. Sheikh al-Abbasi described the ban as deeply distressing, particularly as he had only returned to his religious duties a month prior following a year-long recovery from a serious car accident.

Rising Tensions Ahead of Ramadan

Palestinian officials view the arrest as part of a broader escalation of security measures as preparations for the holy month of Ramadan intensify. Key concerns highlighted by local sources include:

Logistical Obstruction: Israeli authorities have reportedly blocked the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf from setting up temporary clinics and installing canopies for sun and rain protection intended for the hundreds of thousands of worshippers expected during Ramadan.
Access Restrictions: More than 250 deportation or ban orders have been issued against religious figures, guards, and activists since the start of 2026.
Increased Incursions: The detention of Sheikh al-Abbasi coincided with incursions by over 200 settlers into the mosque compound under heavy police protection.
Permit Limits: Authorities have recommended limiting the number of entry permits for West Bank Palestinians to 10,000 during Ramadan, alongside potential age-based restrictions.

Widespread Condemnation

The arrest sparked a strong reaction from various groups:

Hamas condemned the action as “blatant interference” and a dangerous attempt to impose a temporal and spatial division of the holy site.
The Jerusalem Governorate called for international intervention to protect the historical and legal status quo of the compound.
Regional Organizations: Hamas urged the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take urgent steps to pressure the occupation and halt violations at Islam’s third-holiest site.

Disclaimer: This content is shared for informational purposes based on available international news reports. The details regarding legal measures and security actions are subject to official statements from the relevant authorities. Please follow official sources for the latest updates on the situation in Jerusalem.