The ban on Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, which Israeli officials say may be extended, follows his outspoken criticism of the ongoing aggression and siege on Gaza—where tens of thousands have been killed, triggering one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in recent memory.
“Muslims, O people of the land of Isra and Mi’raj, humanity today is crushed under injustice,” said the Mufti during his sermon at Al-Aqsa on Friday.
“Some are denied food and are dying of hunger before the eyes of a world that speaks of human rights—claims that reality itself exposes as lies. Where are you, O Messenger of God, as this world drowns in injustice?”
Speaking to Wafa news agency, the Mufti confirmed he had been summoned by Israeli intelligence for questioning prior to the ban. He stressed that his sermon merely reflected the moral and religious duty to speak against oppression.
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His remarks, however, struck a nerve with Israeli authorities, who have systematically cracked down on religious and political figures critical of its Gaza policy.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 59,733 Palestinians—most of them women and children—since October 7, 2023, and wounded nearly 145,000 more. Alongside relentless bombardments, Israel has imposed a blockade that has crippled access to food, medicine, and clean water.
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The Government Media Office in Gaza says over 100,000 children, including 40,000 infants, now face life-threatening hunger. Starvation and malnutrition have already claimed 122 lives, 83 of them children. Humanitarian agencies warn that therapeutic food supplies are nearly exhausted, placing thousands more at imminent risk.
Source: Agencies