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Al-Aqsa Mosque Tensions Rise Ahead of Ramadan

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Abbasi, imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, is barred from entering the site for a week ahead of Ramadan.
Knesset member Amit Halevi entered the mosque, saying Jewish prayers should continue during Ramadan.
Israeli police are set to deploy drone-mounted tear gas systems to manage protests.
The Israeli army plans to bolster its presence in the West Bank and limit access for worshippers at Al-Aqsa during the holy month.

History

Historical Context

The 1929 Palestine riots, sparked by tensions over access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, resulted in the deaths of 133 Jews and 116 Arabs. The British Mandate struggled to maintain order amid rising animosity between Jewish and Arab communities. Sheikh Muhammad Ali Abbasi's recent barring from the mosque reflects ongoing disputes, with the Israeli government's military presence during Ramadan potentially escalating these historical grievances.

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Story summary

Sheikh Muhammad Ali Abbasi, imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, is barred from entering the site for a week ahead of Ramadan.
Knesset member Amit Halevi entered the mosque, saying Jewish prayers should continue during Ramadan.
Israeli police are set to deploy drone-mounted tear gas systems to manage protests.
The Israeli army plans to bolster its presence in the West Bank and limit access for worshippers at Al-Aqsa during the holy month.

1 / 2