Israeli Authorities Arrest Al-Aqsa Imam Ahead of Ramazan 2026 – Palestinians Restricted from Praying at Mosque

Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, from inside the compound in occupied East Jerusalem on February 16-17, 2026. The detention, without stated reason, follows a one-week ban and comes amid tightened access restrictions as Ramadan 2026 begins on February 18, sparking condemnation from Hamas and Palestinian groups.

Israeli police detained Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, inside the mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on the evening of February 16-17, 2026. Authorities provided no public reason for the arrest.

Local Palestinian sources report the detention happened amid rising Israeli measures at Al-Aqsa Mosque. These include restrictions on imams, preachers, and worshippers, plus more settler incursions under heavy police protection.

Hours before the arrest, Israeli authorities barred Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi from entering the mosque compound for one week. The ban could extend further. Sheikh al-Abbasi received no explanation for the restriction.

Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi called the ban distressing. He had just returned to duties after a year-long recovery from a serious car accident.

The arrest occurs right before Ramadan 2026, which started on February 18. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians usually gather at Al-Aqsa Mosque—Islam’s third holiest site—for prayers during the holy month.

Israeli authorities set new limits on worshipper access during Ramadan 2026. They restrict West Bank Palestinians to 10,000 for Friday prayers, with age rules for men, women, and children. Many require prior permits.

On the first day of Ramadan 2026, Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound under heavy protection. They performed religious activities in the courtyards—moves Palestinian officials label provocative and a violation of longstanding norms.

Tensions rise further with broader settler incursions and tightened security in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. Fears grow of intensified crackdowns during Ramadan 2026.

Hamas condemned the arrest of Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi. The group called it blatant interference in Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs and an attack on religious leaders.

Palestinian groups urge continued presence at Al-Aqsa Mosque. They call on Arab and Islamic organizations to protect the site from what they describe as Judaisation efforts.

Al-Aqsa Mosque remains a key flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Access policies face ongoing disputes, especially during Ramadan when attendance peaks.