On July 10, 2026, Israel temporarily banned Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, the grand mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for one week. This decision followed his detention by Israeli forces after delivering a Friday sermon at the mosque, where he prayed for Palestinians killed by Israel and those imprisoned.
Details of the Ban on Sheikh Muhammad Hussein
The Jerusalem Governorate reported that Sheikh Hussein was detained to serve him with a ban order. Despite his release, the ban could be renewed after the initial week. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating Israeli measures in occupied Palestinian territories.
According to the Quds News Network, the grand mufti's arrest was linked to his sermon, which included prayers for Palestinians affected by the ongoing violence. The governorate emphasized, "the arrest was carried out in order to serve him [Hussein] with an order banning him from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for one week, with the possibility of renewal."
Context of Violence in the Occupied Territories
The ban on Sheikh Hussein comes amid increasing tensions in the region. Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been reported killed in the occupied West Bank, including at least 243 children. Rights groups have condemned what they describe as an intensifying campaign of military raids and settler violence.
On the same day as Sheikh Hussein's ban, six Palestinians were reportedly injured in Huwara, Nablus, during an attack by settlers. Witnesses claimed that Israeli forces were present and protected the settlers during the assault, which included the use of pepper spray and physical violence against a Palestinian family.
International Reactions and Concerns
The international community has increasingly expressed concern over the violence in the occupied West Bank. Amnesty International recently published a report accusing the Israeli government of conducting a campaign of ethnic cleansing in the territory, asserting that the actions are state-led rather than the result of isolated incidents by rogue settlers.
- More than 1,100 Palestinians killed since October 2023
- At least 243 children among the deceased
- Injuries reported during settler attacks
- Ongoing criticism from international human rights organizations
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
