Tension in East Jerusalem, Grand Mufti released and new developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Sheikh Muhammad Hussein released after arrest at Al-Aqsa. Netanyahu: ‘Hamas is an obstacle to peace.’ France, Germany and the United Kingdom: ‘A ceasefire and safe aid to Gaza are needed.’

Israeli police have released Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine, who was arrested a few hours earlier in the Al-Aqsa mosque complex in East Jerusalem. The arrest took place immediately after Friday’s sermon, in which the cleric condemned the Israeli army’s actions against Palestinians from Rafah to Jenin.

After his release, Sheikh Hussein was banned from entering Al-Aqsa until Sunday, with a summons for further questioning. The official reasons for the arrest have not been disclosed, but the Department of Islamic Endowments and the Anadolu Agency have denounced yet another episode of intimidation against Muslim clergy.

Meanwhile, the international diplomatic crisis is intensifying. Former US President Donald Trump dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that he would recognise the State of Palestine in September as “irrelevant”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that ‘Hamas is the main obstacle’ to the release of hostages and peace. Israel and the United States have recalled their delegations from the ongoing negotiations in Doha and are now considering ‘alternative options’.

Among the planned actions is a return to air drops of humanitarian aid over Gaza, in coordination with the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. However, this distribution model has already drawn strong criticism from NGOs and local health workers. According to Save the Children, at least five people died last March as a result of parachute drops.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom (E3 group) have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas and the release of hostages. The three European countries support the proposal for a transition plan in Gaza with a provisional government, withdrawal of the Israeli army and a massive influx of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening. The local Ministry of Health reports that nine more Palestinians have died of starvation in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll from famine and malnutrition to 122.

In the West Bank, the Israeli army killed a man accused of attempting a stabbing attack at the Shima settlement. Since 7 October, according to the United Nations, more than 930 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, nearly 500 of them in 2024 alone.

THE LATEST NEWS

• International-News

Robert F. Kennedy Jr cocaine admission sparks backlash in US

13 Febbraio 2026

The Robert F. Kennedy Jr cocaine admission during a podcast interview has triggered political backlash and calls for resignation in...

Read More

• International-News

UN scandal: Iran elected vice-president of social development despite human rights violations

13 Febbraio 2026

Iran has been elected vice-president of the UN Commission for Social Development, sparking fierce controversy over its violations of women's...

Read More

• International-News

Iran marks Islamic Revolution anniversary with anti-US and Israel display

11 Febbraio 2026

Missiles, drone wreckage and propaganda symbols shown during mass rallies in Tehran Iran marks Islamic Revolution anniversary with anti-US and...

Read More

• International-News

Trump to repeal Endangerment Finding on greenhouse gases

11 Febbraio 2026

White House calls it historic deregulation; scientists and states prepare legal fight. Trump to repeal Endangerment Finding on greenhouse gases...

Read More

• International-News

Anderson and Greenwood seek removal of music from Melania documentary

10 Febbraio 2026

Filmmaker and Radiohead guitarist challenge the use of a Phantom Thread score track in an Amazon-produced film Anderson and Greenwood...

Read More

• International-News

Germany rejects Macron proposal for new EU joint debt plan

10 Febbraio 2026

Germany rejects Macron proposal for new EU joint debt plan ahead of an EU summit, citing productivity concerns and budget...

Read More

(Photo: © AndKronos)