Middle East Affairs of interest.
Israeli authorities issued a six-month ban against Sheikh Mohammad Hussein, Mufti of Jerusalem, from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, prompting widespread outrage among Palestinian leaders and human rights organizations alike. Israeli police confirmed on Monday this move as part of an overall crackdown against Palestinian religious leaders operating within Jerusalem city limits.
Israeli officials informed Sheikh Hussein, who serves as Jerusalem’s highest Islamic authority, of their decision. They cited his alleged role in inciting tensions during recent protests over Israeli policies in West Bank and Jerusalem. Hussein has long been outspoken against Israeli actions taken within Palestinian territory, particularly regarding Jerusalem status and Islamic holy sites preservation.
Israeli police issued a statement alleging that Mufti actions during recent demonstrations near Al-Aqsa Mosque contributed to increasing unrest. They stated their decision to place an entry ban was due to security concerns and maintaining public order – with one spokesperson from Israeli police noting the need to ensure public order.
However, this move has caused great outrage among Palestinians, who view it as an attempt to control religious and political leadership. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has strongly denounced this ban as violating religious freedom and insulting Al-Aqsa Mosque as one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for PA President Mahmoud Abbas said, “Israel’s occupation forces are once again targeting our religious leaders to silence their voice as well as that of their people,” specifically targeting Mufti of Jerusalem whose symbolism and faith symbolizes Palestine and is thus under attack from within and without. This move constitutes an assault on all Palestinian communities worldwide.”
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City lies at the core of Israeli-Palestinian tensions. For Palestinians, it stands as a central symbol of their religious and national identity, often becoming the scene of frequent tensions during times of increased violence or when Israeli policies threaten the status quo in Jerusalem. Israeli control over this site, revered by Jews as Temple Mount, remains one of the key points in this ongoing dispute.
International reactions have also been swift, with human rights organizations criticizing Israel’s decision. Amnesty International called the move an unjustifiable restriction of religious practice and demanded Israeli authorities lift the ban immediately.
“Sheikh Mohammad Hussein’s targeting is part of an overall pattern of repression against Palestinian religious leaders and activists,” according to Philip Luther, Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa director. He added: “Israeli authorities must respect Palestinians’ rights to freely practice their faith without fear of reprisal from authorities.”
U.S. State Department officials have voiced concern about rising tensions in Jerusalem but refrained from directly commenting on any ban that might take effect there. Some experts have noted, however, that U.S. and Western powers are increasingly encouraging Israel to exercise restraint when dealing with religious and political figures in Jerusalem.
The decision to bar Al-Aqsa Mosque from access comes amid growing unrest in Palestinian territories as protests continue against Israeli policies in East Jerusalem and West Bank. Tensions escalated during Ramadan this year when clashes broke out between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police at Al-Aqsa Mosque leading to casualties on both sides.
Palestinian religious leaders have pledged their continued efforts to maintain Jerusalem and its holy sites as Islamic spaces, in response to the ban. Sheikh Hussein issued a brief statement after its implementation which read, “We will not be silenced: Al-Aqsa is ours, and we will defend it with all our strength.”
Palestinians perceive Al-Aqsa Mufti’s expulsion as another attempt by Israel to restrict religious and political rights in Jerusalem. Israel has long maintained control of Jerusalem despite international calls for two-state solution and East Jerusalem being recognised as capital of a future Palestinian state.
As tensions escalate, Al-Aqsa Mosque and its religious leaders remain an essential factor in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Imposition of Mufti’s ban could further inflame tensions both within Jerusalem and throughout Palestinian territories and make peace more distant than ever.