After a sermon condemning the Gaza siege, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein faces an extended entry ban
Jerusalem | August 6, 2025:
In a move that has sparked anger across the Muslim world, Israeli authorities have extended the ban on Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, prohibiting him from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque for another six months.
This extension comes after an earlier 8-day ban, which was initially imposed in late July, right after Sheikh Hussein delivered a fiery Friday sermon criticizing Israel’s policies in Gaza.
According to Arab News, the Mufti’s lawyer confirmed that Israeli authorities decided to prolong the ban without providing a formal explanation, though many believe the move is politically motivated.
🔥 What Triggered the Ban?
As per reports from Wafa News Agency, Sheikh Hussein, during his sermon, openly condemned Israel’s alleged policy of “deliberate starvation” affecting over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza. This statement reportedly drew the ire of Israeli officials.
Following that, on July 27, the Grand Mufti was summoned by Israeli forces and handed a formal notice — ordering him to stay away from Al-Aqsa for eight days. Authorities had warned that the order could be renewed. And now, it has been — for half a year.
⛔ ‘Systematic Removal of Religious Voices’
The Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has slammed the move, calling it a “clear attempt to empty Al-Aqsa of its religious figures.”
In an official statement, the ministry said:
“The ban on the Grand Mufti is part of Israel’s wider strategy to suppress voices that oppose its plans for Al-Aqsa, and those who expose its violations in Gaza, the West Bank, and particularly inside the mosque compound itself.”
🕌 Al-Aqsa Remains a Flashpoint
Despite Israel’s increasing restrictions, over 80,000 Palestinian worshippers recently offered prayers at Al-Aqsa — defying bans and settler provocations.
Meanwhile, reports continue to emerge of Israeli settlers and ministers storming the mosque compound under police protection — actions widely condemned by the global Muslim community and countries like Pakistan, which recently issued a strong rebuke against Israeli “raids” on Al-Aqsa.
🧭 Final Word: A Battle for Presence and Principles
This latest ban isn’t just about one man — it reflects the ongoing struggle over the control, access, and sanctity of one of Islam’s holiest sites. By sidelining figures like the Grand Mufti, critics say Israel is attempting to silence religious authority and reshape the narrative around Al-Aqsa.
But with voices rising across Palestine and beyond, the question remains:
Can faith be silenced through force? Or will such moves only ignite more resistance?
