Palestine scholars denounce Israel police storming Al-Aqsa preacher’s home

The Palestine Scholars Association yesterday condemned Israel Police after they stormed the home of Al-Aqsa Mosque preacher, Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, in occupied East Jerusalem and summoned him for investigation.

“We condemn the barbaric and violent intrusion into the house of the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Sawwana neighbourhood in occupied Jerusalem, and handing him a summons order for interrogation in the Al-Maskobiya Detention Centre in the city,” the association said in a statement, stressing that the summons will not affect his resolve and determination to defend the mosque.

Sheikh Sabri told Palestinian media outlets on his way to the probe that he expects the summons to be due to the Israeli court’s decision to allow Jews to pray silently in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“This, for us, is unacceptable. We have stated this repeatedly because Al-Aqsa is for Muslims,” he said.

Last Wednesday, an Israeli Magistrate Court granted permission for Jewish settlers to perform “silent prayers” in the Al-Aqsa Mosque’s yards.

However, Israel’s Kan broadcaster reported on Friday that the Israeli District Court in Jerusalem overturned the decision.

Palestinian lawyer Khaled Zabarka, who specialises in Jerusalem affairs, said the decision had been reversed, adding that this was just the Israeli media misleading the public.

Sabri: Settlers raid Al-Aqsa to prove Israel was not defeated in Gaza