BTN News: On Friday, Israeli police launched an investigation against Imam Ekrima Sabri for alleged incitement after he praised the late political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, during a prayer session at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. The incident occurred the same day Haniyeh was buried in Doha. The police’s decision to investigate stems from Sabri’s remarks, which are perceived as supporting terrorism. This investigation, approved by the district’s central unit, is not Sabri’s first encounter with accusations of incitement.
Israeli authorities detained Sabri for questioning following his controversial sermon at the midday prayer on the Temple Mount, a site of significant religious contention. This location is referred to by Israelis as the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism, while Muslims recognize it as the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam. The police have not disclosed whether Sabri has been released after his interrogation.
The investigation into Sabri was initiated immediately after the state prosecutor’s office authorized it. A police spokesperson mentioned that Sabri has faced previous investigations and charges for incitement and glorification of terrorism. This aligns with the clear policy set by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his extreme and supremacist views, who advocates a zero-tolerance approach to any incitement.
Ben Gvir expressed his satisfaction on social media platform X, stating that “the imam of the murderers” had to provide a statement at the police station, under the Israeli flag. He also shared a photo of the interrogation, with Sabri’s face blurred.
During his sermon, Sabri mentioned that “the inhabitants of Jerusalem” prayed for the “martyr” Haniyeh, seeking mercy for him. He requested compassion and paradise for the deceased leader just hours before Haniyeh was buried in the Lusail cemetery in Doha, his residence since 2019.
The atmosphere has been tense, with Hamas calling for a “day of rage” following Haniyeh’s death. The Hamas leader was killed in an attack on his Tehran residence after attending the inauguration of President Masud Pezeshkian. Both Iran and Hamas accuse Israel of the attack, although Israel has not claimed responsibility.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, combined with religious tensions surrounding the Al Aqsa Mosque, continues to create a volatile environment in the region. The Israeli authorities’ firm stance on incitement, as seen in Sabri’s case, underscores the persistent and deep-rooted discord in Jerusalem.
