Al-Aqsa Mosque Imam Arrested by Israeli Police

Jerusalem — Israeli occupation police arrested the Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Sheikh Mohammad Ali Al-Abbasi, in the mosque’s courtyard in occupied Jerusalem, according to local sources on Monday evening, 16 February 2026.

The arrest took place amid escalating actions by the occupation authorities targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque.

These actions include restrictions on mosque imams, preachers and al-Murabitin — those who regularly attend the mosque — limitations on worshippers’ access, and an increase in incursions by settlers closely escorted by Israeli police.

Occupied Jerusalem, particularly the Old City and areas surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque, has experienced a heightened security situation due to strict security measures imposed by Israeli authorities, including the detention of and restrictions on religious figures and local activists.