In a significant escalation of tensions in Jerusalem, Israeli police arrested Sheikh Mohammed al-Abbasi, the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, from inside the mosque's courtyards on February 16, 2026, just days before the start of Ramadan. Palestinian sources reported that no official reason for the detention was provided, raising concerns over ongoing restrictions and intensified incursions by settlers under police protection. Hamas condemned the arrest as a 'blatant interference in the affairs of Al-Aqsa' and an 'unacceptable assault on its imams,' urging Arab and Islamic nations to take urgent action to protect the mosque. Adding to the tensions, Israeli authorities extended the length of settler raids at Al-Aqsa Mosque by an hour, allowing ultra-nationalist groups to remain on the site for five hours instead of four, as reported by Middle East Eye on February 18, 2026. This decision coincides with tightened restrictions on Palestinian access during Ramadan, with only 10,000 permits issued for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank to enter Jerusalem, limited primarily to men over 55, women over 50, and children up to age 12. Sheikh al-Abbasi expressed deep concern over these limitations, stating, 'This ban is a grave matter for us, as our soul is tied to Al-Aqsa. Al-Aqsa is our life.' Furthermore, Israeli authorities have stated that visits will now begin at 6:30 AM instead of 7 AM and end at 11:30 AM instead of 11 AM, further restricting access during a time when hundreds of thousands typically gather for prayer. The situation remains precarious as the mosque has been a frequent flashpoint for violence and unrest, particularly with the holy month approaching, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and resolution in the region.