Sheik Muhammad Hussein, a top Palestinian cleric, was detained by Israeli police forces for six hours on Wednesday and questioned on protests that took place on Tuesday in Jerusalem's Old City, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Palestinian leaders condemned the action as an attack on their freedom of religion.
Hussein was released with no charges pressed. He told Reuters that he was not involved in the clashes that took place between Palestinians and Israelis at the al-Aqsa mosque on Jerusalem Day.
"They took me from my house at eight in the morning, accusing me of incitement," he said. "I do not incite. I protect al-Aqsa mosque, and that is the nature of my work."
He also said that Arab worshipers had thrown chairs at Israelis visiting the site, which is located in an area captured from Jordan by Israel in 1967.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.