The Israeli military detained Al-Aqsa Mosque imam Sheikh Ekrima Sabri in mourning the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. In his Friday sermon, he called him a “Martyr” infuriating IDF. Israeli authorities show a “suspicion” that Sabri is involved in terrorist activities.
Israeli police have arrested Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the 85-year-old imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Supreme Islamic Council. Sheikh Sabri was detained after he referred to Ismail Haniyeh, a slain Hamas leader, as a “martyr” during his Friday sermon at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran earlier this week by IDF. Sheikh Sabri’s tribute to him has been deemed as incitement to terrorism by Israeli authorities. Moreover, Sabri’s lawyer, Hamza Qatina, confirmed that he is currently being held at the Al Maskobiya police compound and is under investigation for allegedly inciting terrorism.
Israeli police have stated that they are investigating an imam who made statements supporting terrorism during a Friday sermon, though they did not specifically name Sabri.
Series Of False Allegations
This is not the first time Sheikh Sabri has faced such allegations. In June, he was charged with inciting terrorism after he allegedly praised Palestinian gunmen responsible for the deaths of four Israelis, including a soldier, in October 2022. Sabri has consistently denied these charges, claiming they are part of a “fabricated” campaign against him.
In addition to Sheikh Sabri, a man in his twenties was also arrested for making “inciting statements” during Friday prayers.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound holds significant religious and national importance for Palestinians as it is Islam’s third holiest site and a symbol of Palestinian national identity. Sheikh Sabri has defended his tribute to Haniyeh. He also asserted that his statements were made from a religious perspective and should not be seen as incitement. He has also criticized the accusations as an attack on freedom of expression.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Israeli police have indicated that appropriate measures will be taken based on their findings.
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound is Islam’s third holiest site and a Palestinian national symbol. In addition, the Muslim community is standing behind the Imam and his mission without any fear.