Israeli Police bars Muslim men under 50 from entering Al Aqsa mosque
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JERUSALEM: Israeli police said they were barring men under 50 from entering Jerusalem’s Old City for Friday Muslim prayers as tensions rose over new security measures at a highly sensitive holy site.
The rare measure came after Israeli ministers decided not to order the removal of metal detectors erected at entrances to the Haram al-Sharif mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, following an attack nearby a week ago that killed two policemen.
“Entry to the Old City and Temple Mount will be limited to men aged 50 and over. Women of all ages will be permitted,” a police statement said.
Tensions have risen after police installed the metal detectors in a move Palestinians and other Muslims perceived as a means for Israel to assert further control over the site.
