Israeli forces took Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi into custody without explanation. The imam had led prayers at Al-Aqsa, Islam’s third-holiest site, until police moved in late on February 16. Local Palestinian sources described the arrest as part of escalating restrictions at the East Jerusalem compound.

Just hours earlier, authorities blocked al-Abbasi from entering for seven days. Officials offered no reason. The sheikh, who resumed duties after a year recovering from a severe car accident, called the ban upsetting.

Ramadan 2026 began February 18. Israeli rules cap West Bank Palestinians at 10,000 for Friday prayers. Men face age limits; women and children need prior permits. Many applicants face denials.

On the holiday’s first day, Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa courtyards under police guard. They held religious rites there. Palestinian officials decried the visits as provocative breaches of established practices.

Broader measures tightened security across occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. Settler incursions have surged. Palestinian worshippers and preachers report frequent barriers.

Hamas slammed the arrest. Spokesmen labeled it direct meddling in mosque affairs and an assault on religious figures. Other Palestinian factions rallied supporters to keep praying at Al-Aqsa. They appealed to Arab and Islamic bodies for protection against what they termed Judaisation attempts.

Al-Aqsa sits at the heart of Israeli-Palestinian strife. Disputes over access flare yearly, especially in Ramadan when crowds swell to hundreds of thousands. Past years saw clashes during peak prayer times.

Police have imposed similar bans on other imams and preachers. Worshippers from beyond East Jerusalem endure checkpoints and searches. Rights groups track rising detentions tied to the compound.

No Israeli official commented publicly on al-Abbasi’s case by February 17 evening. The sheikh remained in custody, according to local reports. His one-week entry ban could lengthen, sources said.

Tensions simmer ahead of coming Fridays. Large gatherings test security lines. Palestinian leaders brace for potential violence amid the holy month’s rituals.