Israel detains Palestinian minister for Jerusalem affairs near Al-Aqsa

Ashraf al-Aawar, the Palestinian minister for Jerusalem affairs, was detained by Israeli authorities on Wednesday while attending a family mourning gathering near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Governorate said in a statement.

Arrest at Silwan gathering

Al-Aawar was taken into custody during a visit to the Silwan neighborhood, where he had joined relatives to mourn a family member, the governorate added. It did not specify the charges or provide further details regarding the circumstances of the arrest.

Second detention within a week

The arrest marks the second time Israeli forces have targeted the minister within seven days. Last week, al-Aawar was temporarily detained from his home in Silwan and held for several hours before being released without explanation, according to the same source.

Travel ban to West Bank

Israeli authorities imposed a six-month ban on al-Aawar last year prohibiting him from entering the occupied West Bank. The restriction was subsequently extended beyond the initial period, preventing the minister from carrying out his duties in the Palestinian territory.