Nafisa Khweis, a long-time member of the Palestinian Murabitat group, has for years disrupted Jewish visitors at the Temple Mount. On Saturday, July 26, 2025, she violated a police-issued restraining order and was arrested. Just hours after her release, she was seriously injured in a traffic accident while riding her electric cart (tuk-tuk/rickshaw), and was hospitalized at Shaare Zedek Medical Center
A Symbol of Resistance at Al-Aqsa
Khweis (نفيسة خويص) is a prominent Palestinian activist widely known for her role in “defending” Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. A resident of the At-Tur neighborhood in East Jerusalem, she became a well-known and admired figure among Palestinians through her involvement in the Murabitat, a women’s group that sees its mission in maintaining a Muslim presence on the Temple Mount
Within Palestinian society, she is viewed as a symbol of resistance against the Israeli “occupation” and perceived efforts to alter the status quo at Al-Aqsa, often described in their narrative as “invasions” by Israeli groups and attempts to “Judaize” the mosque
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Confrontations and Police Orders
Khweis is especially known for her vocal and physical protests, typically targeting Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount. She often confronted them by loudly reciting Quranic verses near their designated visitation path
This activity, considered disruptive and a threat to public order, led to repeated arrests and restraining orders by Jerusalem police. At this point, nearly every police officer stationed at the site is familiar with her confrontations
In recent months, she has been under near-constant restraining orders signed by the Jerusalem district commander. Despite this, Khweis often appeared at alleyways and gates near the Temple Mount alongside two male companions — members of the Murabitun, the male counterpart to the Murabitat — and continued harassing Jewish passersby and police officers alike
Arrest and Sudden Turn of Events
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, Khweis took one step too far. Despite the active ban, she entered the Al-Aqsa compound. Exiting via the Chain Gate, she was immediately arrested. She was taken first to the Kishle police station, then to the Russian Compound detention facility, where she was held for approximately 24 hours. According to her, the detention conditions were difficult
On Sunday, July 27, she appeared before Judge Chavi Toker and was released under the condition that she stay out of the Old City until August 21, 2025, with financial guarantees posted by herself and a third party
Due to health issues, Khweis typically travels in a motorized cart. Mere hours after being released from detention, she was involved in a collision with a vehicle while riding near her home in East Jerusalem. She sustained serious injuries and was taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center
For now, it appears that Jerusalem police and Jewish visitors may have a temporary reprieve from her confrontations
