Al-Aqsa Mosque Imam Sheikh Ekrima Sabri was released by Israeli police after hours long detention with authorities ordering his deportation from the mosque, international media reported.
His released by confirmed by his lawyer to international media, stating that the preacher had been deported from mosque until August 8, adding that it could be extended for six months.
The Al-Aqsa mosque Imam was arrested by Israeli police for delivering a eulogy for slain Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during Friday prayers.
During Friday sermon, the former grand mufti of Jerusalem said “the martyr” Haniyeh, saying: “We ask Allah to have mercy on him and place him in paradise,” international media reported.
Videos circulating on social media show the people present in mosque chanting “Allah is great” during the sermon.
The police in a statement said it had started investigating an “imam suspected of making inciting statements and supporting terrorism during a sermon given today at the midday prayer on the Temple Mount.”
Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday after he attended the inauguration ceremony of the Iran’s new president.
