Israel Detains Jerusalem Mufti and Bars Him From Al-Aqsa Mosque
Israeli authorities have detained Jerusalem Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Hussein and banned him from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for one week, according to the Jerusalem Governorate.
The governorate said Israeli forces detained Hussein after he delivered the Friday sermon and led prayers at the mosque in occupied East Jerusalem. He was later released after receiving the entry restriction order.
Israeli police did not immediately comment on the decision. Similar restrictions have previously been imposed on Al-Aqsa preachers and religious figures.
The move comes amid growing tensions around the holy site. Palestinian officials reported that Israeli forces carried out multiple incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound during June and that thousands of Israeli visitors entered the site under police protection.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians attended Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa before the detention took place.
