Israeli security forces continue their preparations ahead of Ramadan 2026, which is expected to begin in about ten days. Each day, Palestinian residents of Jerusalem who are identified by intelligence services as being involved in disturbances or incitement are summoned to the David Area Police Headquarters at the Kishle station in the Old City.
Those summoned appear before a police officer for a hearing and are temporarily barred from entering the Temple Mount for one week, pending a final decision by the district commander.
This year, due to the large number of individuals summoned, final decisions – often involving bans of four to six months – are frequently delivered via WhatsApp messages. According to Palestinian reports, nearly 100 individuals have been barred from the site so far.
Will the Most Senior Religious Figure Also Be Permanently Barred?
In recent days, the most senior religious figure summoned to date appeared for a hearing – Sheikh Dr. Iyad Mohammad Ali al-Abbasi, who serves as Jerusalem’s Chief Sharia Judge (Qadi). Following the hearing, he was barred from the Temple Mount for ten days and is currently awaiting a final decision from the district police commander.
Al-Abbasi is a prominent religious figure among Palestinians in Jerusalem. In addition to his role as Qadi, he serves as a preacher at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and is a member of the city’s Supreme Islamic Council. He is known for his religious, educational, and judicial activities.
According to Israeli authorities, al-Abbasi has used sermons and religious lessons to address social and political issues, including expressing support for Gaza residents and criticizing Israeli policies.
He has been arrested several times in the past, mainly in connection with sermons delivered at Al-Aqsa. In 2017, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison for incitement-related offenses.
In August 2024, he delivered a eulogy for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran, from the pulpit of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Following the speech, he was barred from the Temple Mount for six months. A year later, he was detained after giving a religious lecture in which he referred to the situation in Gaza, alleging widespread suffering. He was released after several hours and warned not to address the issue in future sermons.
As a result of the current restrictions, al-Abbasi is expected to observe Ramadan this year from his home, away from the tens of thousands of worshippers who are expected to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
