Tensions in occupied East Jerusalem have reached a critical point following the detention of Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, an Imam of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, by Israeli police on Monday evening.
According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, Israeli forces entered the mosque’s courtyards to take the religious leader into custody. No official reason for the arrest has been provided by Israeli authorities, though reports indicate that the Sheikh has since been served with a formal order banning him from the holy site.
Israeli police has arrested the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, from inside the mosque’s c …https://t.co/QRT1zpowZG pic.twitter.com/vKpDssXKHU
— GVS (@GVS_News) February 18, 2026
Escalating Religious and Political Tensions
The arrest comes during a period of intensified security measures surrounding the Al-Aqsa compound—Islam’s third-holiest site. Observers and local officials describe a pattern of “escalating violations,” including:
- Targeting Religious Figures: Increased restrictions and detentions of imams, preachers, and worshippers.
- Access Limitations: Tightened controls on Palestinian entry to the Old City and the compound.
- Settler Incursions: A rise in the frequency of raids by settler groups conducted under heavy police protection.
Hamas Issues Formal Condemnation
In a statement released Tuesday, Hamas condemned the detention as “blatant interference” and an “unacceptable assault” on religious leadership. The movement characterized these actions as part of a broader strategy of “temporal and spatial division” of the mosque.
Hamas further warned that these measures, including the prevention of logistical preparations for the upcoming holy month of Ramazan, represent a “dangerous intervention” aimed at altering the identity and sanctity of the site.
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Calls for International Intervention
The situation has prompted urgent appeals to the international community. Hamas has formally called upon the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to:
- Take Urgent Action: Utilize all diplomatic and political channels to protect the mosque from “Judaization.”
- Pressure for Cessation: Implement practical steps to force a halt to ongoing violations and security incursions.
Context of the Flashpoint The Al-Aqsa compound remains a central symbol of Palestinian identity and a frequent flashpoint for regional conflict. Under long-standing arrangements, non-Muslims may visit the site but are not permitted to pray there. As Ramazan approaches—a time when hundreds of thousands of worshippers traditionally attend prayers—the deployment of large police forces and the imposition of new restrictions have raised fears of widespread unrest.
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