Ramadan is approaching, and Al-Aqsa is under siege by expulsion orders
As Ramadan approaches, expulsion orders from Al-Aqsa Mosque persist, impacting hundreds of Palestinians from Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, representing diverse community segments. This occurs alongside ongoing arrest and summons campaigns.
This campaign started roughly a month ago, involving daily summonses and successive expulsion orders. It begins with a one-week order signed by a police officer at the detention center, then continues with an expulsion order lasting several months, sometimes up to six, signed by the Jerusalem police chief.
Over the past month, daily expulsion orders from Al-Aqsa have persisted without interruption, along with repeated summons to detention centers. Notably, dozens of expulsion orders have been sent through WhatsApp, setting a remarkable precedent.
Several young men reported being verbally informed of six-month expulsion orders and warned not to enter Al-Aqsa after their one-week expulsion period concluded. In recent hours, the center observed 25 Palestinians receiving orders that prohibit them from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque. Some preferred to remain anonymous. Among those affected are:
1. Sheikh Mohammad Ali Al-Abbasi, Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque (an employee of the Islamic Endowment Department) – a one-week ban, renewable
2. Mou’ayad Abu Mayaleh – a six-month ban
3. Mohammad Awad – a six-month ban
4. Mohammad Al-Natsheh – a six-month ban
5. Mohammad Musa Mustafa – a six-month ban
6. Ayham Abu Jom'a – a six-month ban
7. Omar Abu Al-Hawa – a six-month ban
8. Saif Al-Din Abu Jom'a – a six-month ban
9. Mo’men Al-Abbasi – a one-week ban, renewable
10. Imran Khdour – a one-week ban, renewable
11. Najeh Karkash – a one-week ban, renewable
The center stated that the forces detained Sheikh Mohammad al-Abbasi inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and issued him an expulsion order.
Meanwhile, the occupation court extended the detention of Jerusalemite journalist Nisreen Salem until next Thursday on suspicion of “dealing with a banned media outlet.”
According to lawyer Mohammad Mahmoud, the forces arrested Salem yesterday after chasing her in the street, then raided her home in the Old City of Jerusalem, and brought her before the Magistrate's Court today, which decided to extend her detention.
Mahmoud mentioned that he appealed the extension decision to the District Court, which was rejected, confirming the Magistrate's Court's ruling.
In a related context, lawyer Firas al-Jabrini reported the arrest of a boy from the town of al-Tur, noting that a force in civilian clothes arrested him while he was in the town, according to eyewitnesses.
Actual prison sentence
The District Court sentenced the Jerusalemite youth Shadi Khoury to two years and eight months in prison and a fine of 12,000 shekels. The court set a date of 23/3/2026 for the young man Shadi to turn himself in to the prison administration.
