Israel lifts age limits at Al Aqsa mosque
- 9 years ago
Israel has lifted restrictions on Muslims entering Al Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem. Men of all ages were allowed to pray at the holy site on Friday after months of age-related controls.
The move comes after talks between the US, Israel and Jordan in Amman, and marks an effort to diffuse tensions at the site revered by both Jews and Muslims.
Unrest had escalated recently over Israel’s plans to step up settlement activity as well as far-right Jews calling for the right to pray at the compound.
Despite efforts to calm tensions, clashes erupted at a West Bank checkpoint as Palestinians attempted to enter Jerusalem from Ramallah.
In Hebron, Hamas supporters threw rocks at Israeli troops who responded with tear gas.
Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in recent weeks has raised fears they could trigger a new Palestinian uprising.
The move comes after talks between the US, Israel and Jordan in Amman, and marks an effort to diffuse tensions at the site revered by both Jews and Muslims.
Unrest had escalated recently over Israel’s plans to step up settlement activity as well as far-right Jews calling for the right to pray at the compound.
Despite efforts to calm tensions, clashes erupted at a West Bank checkpoint as Palestinians attempted to enter Jerusalem from Ramallah.
In Hebron, Hamas supporters threw rocks at Israeli troops who responded with tear gas.
Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in recent weeks has raised fears they could trigger a new Palestinian uprising.