JERUSALEM: Israeli police on Friday prevented Ikrima Sabri, imam of Al Aqsa Mosque and head of the Jerusalem Supreme Islamic Council, from entering the mosque to perform weekly prayers, according to statements from his office.
Officials said Sabri was stopped at Bab al-Asbat shortly before Friday prayers. His legal team said the restriction was imposed without any formal legal order.
In a statement, Sabri’s office said the move lacked legal justification and described it as an arbitrary obstruction.
Strong condemnation
The Jerusalem Supreme Islamic Council condemned the incident, calling it “illegal police brutality” and asserting that Israeli authorities have “no sovereignty” over the Al Aqsa compound.
The council said such actions violate freedom of worship and described the restriction as “illegitimate” and enforced through coercive measures.
It also emphasised that Sabri is a recognised religious authority in Palestine and should not be subject to such restrictions.
Wider restrictions reported
According to the statement, Israeli police also imposed pressure on worshippers attempting to access the mosque and restricted the operations of the Palestinian Waqf Administration.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding access to the Al Aqsa compound, one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Authorities have previously imposed restrictions on Sabri, including barring him from entering the mosque, limiting his travel and subjecting him to repeated questioning in recent years.