Sheikh Sabri Undeterred by Ban on Entering Al-Aqsa Mosque

IQNA – The Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque said an Israeli regime ban on his entry into the mosque would not undermine his resolve.

On Thursday, the Israeli occupation authorities issued a six-month ban on Sheikh Ekrema Sabri, preventing him from entering the mosque compound and its surrounding courtyards.

The ban follows Sheikh Sabri's arrest last Friday after delivering a sermon at Al-Aqsa Mosque, during which he mourned Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas political bureau chief, who was assassinated in an Israeli attack days earlier.

Although Sheikh Sabri was released shortly after, the ban was formally imposed on August 8.

Speaking to Al-Ahed News, the cleric said the decision to ban him was made within the framework of the Israeli regime officials’ policies aimed at escalating tensions against Al-Aqsa and Muslim worshippers.

It is a step in line with the intensification of repressive measures aimed at forcing Muslims out of the mosque, he stated.

The Zionist regime’s officials will be fully to blame for any tensions in al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque as a result of such decisions, he added.

Sheikh Sabri underscored that such decisions won’t undermine his determination and won’t affect his bond with the holy mosque.

He also warned against desecration of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Zionist settlers during upcoming Jewish holidays.   

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