Al-Aqsa imam warns Israel seeks full control of holy site

Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, imam and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, has accused Israel of working to tighten its grip over the holy site which is occupied by Tel Aviv.

Speaking to Al Jazeera on Thursday, he said: “The occupation authorities seek to impose sovereignty over Al-Aqsa. The aim of the settlers' incursions is to strip the Waqf of its authority over Al-Aqsa.”

He warned that the frequency and nature of Israeli raids have intensified in recent weeks, with “ministers” now among those participating.

The comments reflect growing anger among Palestinians who see Israel’s actions at the compound as part of a wider attempt to undermine Muslim custodianship of the site and cement control over occupied East Jerusalem.