No age restrictions for Temple Mount Friday prayers as Jerusalem police remain on high alert
This is the second consecutive week in which police have allowed free access to the site for Muslims.
By JPOST.COM STAFFMuslims pray at Temple Mount(photo credit: REUTERS)
Following security assessments, police decided that there would be no age restrictions on Muslim worshipers for Friday prayers at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem on Friday. This is the second consecutive week in which police have allowed free access to the site, which has been a flashpoint for tensions between Muslims and Israeli security forces in the capital. In recent weeks, entry has been limited to men above the age of 35 and women, amid fears of youth rioting.Police however are maintaining heightened security amid Hamas’s call for a “Day of Rage” against Israel on Friday during which the terrorist organization implored Palestinians to take to the streets “in solidarity with the Aksa Mosque and Jerusalem intifada.”Accusing Israel of “desecrating” the Aksa Mosque, Hamas told Palestinians to march toward checkpoints in the West Bank and clash with soldiers.Scores of Palestinians demonstrated and clashed with police in the east Jerusalem neighborhoods of Abu Dis and Jebl Mukabar Thursday night.Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said multiple units will continue to closely monitor public areas across Jerusalem, with a special emphasis on the central bus station, bus and light-rail stops and shops and restaurants.Meanwhile, the police reported that a massive shipment of fireworks, knives and tasers, believed to be meant in part for use by rioters, was seized last week by Jerusalem District detectives and officers from the Tax Authority and the Ashdod Port Customs.
