Israel limits access to al-Aqsa

PressTV – Fri Aug 5, 2011 10:46AM GMT

File photo of the al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds (Jerusalem)

Israeli police forces have deployed en masse to limit Palestinian access to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the holy month of Ramadan.

Israel deployed over 2,000 of its police forces and border guards around the compound in East al-Quds (Jerusalem), Press TV reported.

Palestinians were heading toward the mosque to attend the first Friday prayer gathering of Ramadan.

However, only Muslim men aged between 45 and 50 have been allowed into the complex. Any Palestinian from the West Bank under the age of 35 has been denied access.

This is not the first time that Israel has limited Palestinian access to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Friday prayers.

On several occasions, Israel has also attacked Palestinian worshippers inside the compound using tear gas, stun guns and rubber bullets.

Al-Aqsa is one of the holiest sites in Islam. It has been the scene of violent clashes between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli troops in the course of the occupation of Palestinian territories by the Tel Aviv regime.

PM/JG/MB

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