Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, head of the Higher Islamic Council in Jerusalem, has been prohibited from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem for over two years. The latest exclusion order that extends his ban until April 2027 reflects ongoing Israeli restrictions affecting both religious practices and the general atmosphere at one of Islam’s holiest sites.
Sabri, a prominent figure within the Palestinian community, has been subject to repeated exclusion since August 2024, following an incident in which he delivered a sermon mourning the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Meanwhile, far-right Jewish activists have increasingly been allowed to conduct prayers at Al-Aqsa, a move that defies the long-standing agreement regarding the mosque and has sparked outcry from ultra-Orthodox Jewish authorities who oppose these actions.
According to the Wadi Hilweh Information Center, a Palestinian human rights organization, more than 1,000 exclusion orders have been issued by Israeli authorities against Palestinians attempting to access Al-Aqsa Mosque and the surrounding Old City since the beginning of 2026. These bans have disproportionately affected religious figures and employees of the Islamic Waqf, which manages the mosque’s religious functions.
The trend of increased exclusion orders appears to coincide with periods of Jewish holidays, as outlined by data from the human rights group, which noted over 40 exclusion orders issued in just five days during early September. Sabri, who continues to speak out about these developments, asserts that these restrictions aim to suppress the Palestinian voice at the mosque, which he regards as an essential component of his Islamic faith. He emphasizes the need to defend Al-Aqsa against what he describes as an aggressive policy undermining its status and the rights of Muslim worshippers.
Al-Aqsa Mosque has been subject to heightened restrictions throughout 2026, most notably when it was closed to worshippers for 40 days following the commencement of hostilities initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran in February. The Palestinian Authority’s Jerusalem Governorate reports a significant increase in visits by Israeli settlers during this time, estimated at nearly 28,000 between July and September.
In addition to accessing religious spaces, the Islamic Waqf is experiencing restrictions in its authority, curtailing its ability to oversee daily functions and maintenance at the mosque. This has resulted in a noticeable decrease in on-site security staff, impacting effective management during prayer times. The Waqf has faced challenges ranging from unauthorized alterations at the mosque to constraints on restoration projects.
Experts warn that ongoing measures could further deteriorate the status quo governing Al-Aqsa and jeopardize the longstanding agreement that allows Muslims to manage religious affairs while Israeli police oversee security. Advocates emphasize the importance of safeguarding religious freedoms at Al-Aqsa as these tensions unfold, highlighting the need for a respectful dialogue surrounding the mosque’s governance and access protocols.
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