Israeli police detained Ashraf al-Awar, the Palestinian Minister of Jerusalem Affairs, at his residence in the Silwan neighbourhood of occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday. An official from the minister’s office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development to Anadolu, stating that authorities did not provide a reason for the arrest.
Israeli police have not yet issued a comment regarding the specific grounds for the detention. This event follows previous restrictive measures imposed on the minister by Israeli authorities. Last year, officials issued an order prohibiting al-Awar from entering the occupied West Bank for six months, a restriction that was subsequently extended.
The Palestinian Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs is headquartered in Al-Ram, located in the occupied West Bank, while the Palestinian government typically conducts its meetings in Ramallah. Since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, there has been a notable intensification of restrictions on Palestinian social, political, economic, and sporting activities within occupied East Jerusalem.
During this same period, Israeli authorities have increased the frequency of home demolitions and expanded settlement activity. Reports also indicate that officials have facilitated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound while simultaneously barring preachers and worshippers from accessing the site. While the international community widely rejects Israel’s claim to the entire city, Palestinians maintain that occupied East Jerusalem serves as the capital for their future state.
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