Photo by [Middle East Monitor]
Assurances have been given by Hasib Nashashibi, a Program Officer at Ensan Center for Democracy and Human Rights, regarding the fine health of 85-year-old Sheikh Ikrima Saeed Sabri, who had his home, in occupied Jerusalem, raided by Israeli forces.
Along with the raid, the Supreme Islamic Commission’s leader and elected preacher at Al-Aqsa Mosque was subjected to a travel ban for approximately six months.
According to Nashashibi, individuals working at and defending Al-Aqsa Mosque face ongoing suppression by Israeli forces, irrespective of gender. They are frequently arrested, interrogated, and denied access to the Al-Aqsa compound.
Nashashibi’s perspective sheds light on the motivation behind the targeting of Sheikh Sabri by Israeli forces. Nashashibi explains that throughout the Sheikh’s tenure, he consistently opposed any encroachments on Al-Aqsa by the occupiers. He vehemently objected to any interference or attempts by Israelis to seize control of the holy compound.
“For that reason, they want to shut him up and not allow him to travel because he was travelling to SouthEast Asia and travelling to different Muslim countries in the world. That’s why they feel that he is very dangerous for their occupation democracy.”
Israeli Forces Stormed Sheikh Sabri’s Home Before
Regrettably, this incident marks not the first but one among several times when the occupiers have raided the Sheikh’s home. He has faced repeated arrests, interrogations, and prohibitions from accessing Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Despite enduring continuous harassment and victimisation by the occupiers, Sheikh Sabri remained resolute and steadfast, refusing to succumb to the pressure. Nashashibi emphasised that he has never once heard Sheikh Sabri express any complaints about the suffering or pain inflicted upon him.
Nevertheless, circumstances have evolved, and Sheikh Sabri is considerably older now compared to the past. Consequently, Nashashibi expressed a certain degree of concern for the Sheikh’s psychological and physical well-being.
“He’s doing fine. I never hear that he is suffering from any pain. Of course, when they come with cruel power, hold him and snatch him from his friends and snatch him from the house, this has psychological and physical [effects]. [However, the] heart of this man is strong.”
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Sinister and Deeper Scheme by the Occupiers
According to Nashashibi, Israeli authorities assert that Al-Aqsa also holds sacred significance for them. However, he contends that their persistent acts of violence and absurdities against Palestinians defending Al-Aqsa stem from their intention to transform it from a Muslim sacred site into a Jewish one.
“Israelis want to prove … That this place is also sacred for the Jews, which is not true at all. Even the area around the Al-Aqsa mosque is a Muslim area, and this was proven by the British occupation of Palestine in 1929. They came, and they sent the committee, and they said that Al-Aqsa mosque and the surrounding area … Is a Muslim area.”
