JERUSALEM(National times)- Israeli police have arrested the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem just days before the start of the holy month of Ramazan, according to media reports. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces detained Sheikh Mohammad al-Abbasi on Monday evening from the courtyards of the mosque. Authorities have not officially disclosed the reason for his arrest. The report said that the move comes amid tightened security measures at the mosque compound and restrictions on worshippers’ entry. According to local sources, orders have also been issued barring certain religious figures from accessing the site.

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Meanwhile, Hamas also condemned the arrest and termed the action as interference in the religious affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque.The Israeli police have said that security around the mosque compound will be further reinforced during Ramazan. Palestinian officials have accused Israel of restricting worshippers’ access to the site. Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s third-holiest site, is located in East Jerusalem, territory that came under Israeli control following the 1967 war. Under longstanding arrangements, Jewish visitors are permitted to enter the compound but are not allowed to pray there.