According to a report from the International Defense Press, Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the head of the Supreme Islamic Council and Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, criticized the ongoing restrictive policies and actions of the Israeli regime. He highlighted the escalation of limitations by the occupying authorities specifically targeting Al-Aqsa Mosque, noting that these restrictions exceed those in place before Ramadan.He emphasized that all these measures are aimed at reducing the number of Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque. As expected, hundreds of thousands of worshippers have gathered to fulfill their religious obligations, but this surge of devotion has not been well-received by the occupiers. Consequently, they have issued entry bans against dozens of young residents in the city of Jerusalem.Sheikh Sabri further stressed that the residents of Jerusalem endure significant hardships to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque. He remarked that our brothers in the West Bank are often prevented from accessing Al-Aqsa and Jerusalem by the occupiers.He pointed out that the occupying regime creates numerous restrictions and obstacles around Jerusalem and within the city itself to limit access to this holy site. The Imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque noted that these barriers and checkpoints are often closed during Friday prayers, depriving people of their right to worship.According to him the restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities conflict with the principle of freedom of expression and international law leading to heightened tensions and potential conflicts.
