Israel limits Muslim access to Al Aqsa mosque amid tensions

Palestinians during a protest over Israel’s new security measures at the compound housing al-Aqsa mosque on July 20, 2017. (Reuters)

An Israeli police spokesman says police are banning Muslim men under the age of 50 from Al Aqsa mosque ahead of feared mass protests over the installation of metal detectors there.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Friday that reinforcements are being deployed in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, where the walled shrine is located. He says: “Police and border police units mobilized in all areas and neighborhoods.”

Muslim leaders have called for mass protests at Friday noon prayers. They urged worshippers to pray outside the shrine rather than submit to security procedures. Muslim leaders allege Israel is trying to expand its control there by installing the security devices.

Source: Al arabiya