Israeli forces detain Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi from the mosque courtyards, drawing condemnation from Hamas and escalating religious tensions.

JERUSALEM: Israeli police arrested the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, from inside the mosque’s courtyards in occupied Jerusalem.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported the detention without citing a reason from local sources.

It stated the arrest follows escalating Israeli measures against the mosque. These include restrictions on imams, preachers, and worshippers stationed there.

Hamas condemned the arrest in a statement on Tuesday. The movement said al-Abbasi had been served with an order banning him from the mosque.

“This constitutes blatant interference in the affairs of Al-Aqsa and an unacceptable assault on its imams,” Hamas said.

It called on Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and inside Israel to remain stationed at Al-Aqsa. The group urged them to stand as a bulwark against plans to tamper with its identity.

Hamas also urged the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to take urgent action. It asked them to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque from what it called the danger of Judaisation.

Occupied Jerusalem has been witnessing rising tensions amid tightened Israeli security measures. The Old City and the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque are focal points for these tensions.

These measures include arrests and ban orders against religious figures and Palestinian activists.

(Bernama-Anadolu)

 The Sun Malaysia