Arrests and deportations target religious figures, released prisoners, and children
The expulsion orders from Al-Aqsa Mosque have been part of a campaign ongoing since the start of this year, impacting hundreds of residents in Jerusalem and Palestinian territories within Israel, including religious leaders, activists from different communities, and other notable figures.
The Wadi Hilweh Information Center in Jerusalem, citing lawyer Khaled Zabarqa, reported that the Israeli occupation authorities issued orders banning Sheikh Raed Salah and Sheikh Kamal Khatib, both from within the 1948 Palestinian territories, from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for six months.
In a related development, former prisoner Yaqoub Abu Asab was released after 24 hours of detention on the allegation of "violating the expulsion order from Al-Aqsa Mosque."
The court ordered his release on the condition that he remain away from the Old City of Jerusalem until May 26, 2026. Additionally, he must pay a bail of 1,000 shekels and provide a financial guarantee. Abu Asab was detained yesterday while walking in the Old City, without approaching the Al-Aqsa Mosque or the restricted areas outlined in the deportation order. He was then transferred to several investigation and detention centers, including “Beit Elyiahu,” “Al-Qishla,” and ultimately “Al-Maskoubiya,” where he appeared before the court today.
The Israeli occupation authorities imposed six-month bans from Al-Aqsa Mosque on Muntaha Imara, Hamas Mahamid, and her 12-year-old daughter. They also issued a similar order against Rami Al-Khatib, who works for the Islamic Waqf and Media Department.
In a related development, the occupation authorities extended the administrative detention of Jerusalemite prisoner Izz Al-Din Attoun from Sur Baher for three months, right after his previous detention ended, even though he was due for release.
Attoun was detained in February and placed under administrative detention for three months, which has since been renewed.
