18/02/2026
Israeli forces detained the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abbasi, on Monday evening, according to Palestinian sources.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported, citing local sources, that Israeli forces arrested Sheikh Al-Abbasi from within the mosque compound without providing any reason. Just hours before the arrest, Israeli authorities had imposed a one-week ban on his entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Palestinian group Hamas condemned the detention on Tuesday, describing it as interference in the affairs of the mosque. Hamas accused Israeli authorities of restricting worshippers and imposing limitations on Ramadan preparations.
It is worth noting that the first fast in the Palestinian territories began today, and large numbers of worshippers gathered at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday night to perform Taraweeh prayers.