Occupied Jerusalem (QNN)- Israeli police on Friday blocked Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, from entering the compound to perform Friday prayers, in a move that sparked sharp condemnation from Islamic authorities in occupied Jerusalem.
A spokesperson from Sabri’s office told Anadolu Agency that Israeli police stopped him at Al-Asbat Gate and denied him access to Al-Aqsa Mosque despite his attempt to attend prayers. The official said officers did not provide any reason for the decision.
In a statement, Sabri’s office confirmed that Israeli forces intercepted him shortly before prayers and prevented him from entering through the gate. His legal team, who accompanied him, stressed that authorities issued no formal legal order to justify the ban.
Sabri serves as the Imam and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque and heads the Supreme Islamic Council in occupied Jerusalem. His office said the latest restriction comes nearly two years after Israeli authorities began imposing strict administrative measures on him, including limits on his access to the holy mosque.
The Supreme Islamic Council strongly condemned the move, describing it as “unlawful police misconduct.” In a statement, the council said Israeli police have “no sovereignty” over Al-Aqsa Mosque and insisted that the decision lacked any legal legitimacy.
The council stressed that authority over the site belongs to the Islamic Waqf administration. It said such measures are “null and void” and reflect rule “by military force,” stating that Israel turns Jerusalem into a “military barracks” under a broader policy of militarization.
It also emphasized that Sheikh Sabri remains a key Islamic authority in Palestine.
The council warned that Israeli police continue to tighten restrictions on Palestinian worshippers, limiting their access to Al-Aqsa Mosque while also interfering in the work of the Islamic Waqf administration.
In recent years, Israeli authorities have repeatedly barred Sabri from entering the mosque, banned him from travel, and summoned him for multiple interrogations and arrests.
The incident adds to growing tensions in the occupied capital city, where access to Muslim and Christian religious sites remains a flashpoint amid ongoing Israeli assaults.
