Israel extends Al-Aqsa Mosque entry ban on Sheikh Ekrima Sabri for another six months

Israeli authorities on Tuesday extended a ban preventing Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, the preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque and head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem, from entering the mosque for another six months.

According to Quds Press, Israeli authorities delivered the extension order to Sabri’s lawyer, prohibiting the senior Palestinian religious figure from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque until 19th April 2027.

The decision marks the latest extension of restrictions imposed on Sabri, who has been barred from entering the mosque since August 2024.

An official from Sabri’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israeli authorities had repeatedly renewed the ban, with the previous order scheduled to expire in October.

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Over recent years, Israeli authorities have detained Sabri on several occasions and issued orders restricting his access to Al-Aqsa Mosque and preventing him from traveling abroad.

Sabri is also currently standing trial on charges of “incitement.”

Israeli authorities regularly issue orders barring Palestinians from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque for periods of up to six months, with some restrictions subsequently renewed.

The latest decision means that Sabri will remain barred from Al-Aqsa Mosque until at least 19th April 2027, extending restrictions that have prevented him from performing his religious duties at the site for more than two years.

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