Israel bars former Mufti of Jerusalem from travelling abroad, arrests another

Israel has barred Sheikh Ekrema Sabri from travelling abroad for a period of six months. The 83-year-old is one of the al-Aqsa's foremost Imams and is a former Mufti. He is well known and widely respected for his activism against the Israeli occupation and interference in the affairs of the al-Aqsa. 

Israeli security agents gave the decision to Sheikh Sabri on Tuesday. 

"I consider the decision unjust, unlawful, and infringes on the freedom of expression", he told The New Arab. 

"They suspect that my travels affect Israeli national security", he added. 

On 29 June, Sheikh Sabri received an order prohibiting him from travelling for one month, granting him the right to appeal. Surprisingly, in less than two weeks, the travel restriction was extended to six months.

"This is something expected from the occupation. The Israeli courts do not dispense justice", Sheikh Sabri said, vowing to continue his activism through social media.

Sheikh Sabri recently went on a series of international visits, including Jordan, Algeria, Malaysia, and Turkey. During these trips, he had the opportunity to provide briefings to dignitaries on the latest developments in Palestine.

Lawyers representing the Imam criticised Israel for attempting to suppress the truth about what's happening in Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa.