On Monday evening, February 16, 2026, Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, from the mosque’s courtyards in occupied East Jerusalem. The arrest, which occurred without an officially stated reason, has intensified concerns regarding access to Islam’s third-holiest site as the holy month of Ramazan approaches.
Key Details of the Incident
- The Arrest: According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli forces detained Sheikh al-Abbasi during the evening prayers.
- The Ban: Following his detention, the Sheikh was reportedly served with a one-week ban from the Al-Aqsa compound, an order subject to renewal.
- Personal Context: Sheikh al-Abbasi had only recently returned to his duties after a year-long recovery from a serious car accident, making the sudden ban particularly “distressing” for the local community.
Political and Religious Backlash
The arrest has triggered sharp condemnations from Palestinian leadership and regional organizations:
- Hamas Statement: On Tuesday, Hamas described the arrest as “blatant interference” and a “fascist assault” on religious leadership. They accused Israel of attempting to impose a “temporal and spatial division” of the mosque.
- Call to Action: Hamas has urged the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to intervene, while calling on Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem to remain “stationed” (Ribat) at the mosque.
- Status Quo Concerns: Palestinian officials view these measures—including restrictions on logistical preparations for Ramazan—as a systematic attempt to “Judaize” the site and limit freedom of worship.
🚨 Israeli police arrest Al-Aqsa Mosque imam Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi inside Jerusalem’s holy site. No reason given for detention, sparking tensions 🔥 #AlAqsa #Jerusalem
— Dr. Aslam Dogar (@DrAslamDogar1) February 18, 2026
The “Ramazan Watch”: Tightening Restrictions
As Ramazan is expected to begin midweek, Israeli security forces have announced significant shifts in policy:
- Entry Bans: Temporary “preventative” ban orders have been issued to hundreds of young Palestinian men from East Jerusalem.
- Limited Permits: Access for worshippers from the occupied West Bank remains heavily restricted via military checkpoints, with few permits being issued compared to previous years.
- Security Surge: Israeli police have confirmed plans for a massive deployment around the Old City and the Al-Aqsa compound throughout the month of fasting.
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Why Al-Aqsa Matters
The compound, known to Muslims as Al-Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is a central symbol of Palestinian identity. Under the long-standing “Status Quo” arrangement:
- Muslims have the exclusive right to pray at the site.
- Non-Muslims (including Jews) are permitted to visit but are strictly forbidden from performing religious rituals.
- Recent years have seen an increase in settler incursions, which Palestinians say are orchestrated to change these historic arrangements.
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