Israel police brace for fresh violence at Jerusalem's Temple Mount

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli police braced for fresh violence Friday, July 28 ahead of main weekly Muslim prayers at a Jerusalem holy site, barring men under 50 after clashes erupted as Palestinians ended a boycott of the mosque compound, AFP reveals.

Tensions at the Haram al-Sharif, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, were high even after thousands of worshippers returned to the site, that encompasses the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, following a two-week boycott over new security measures that Israel eventually removed.

Friday prayers typically draw thousands to Al-Aqsa, and police said there were "indications that disturbances and demonstrations will take place today".

"Only men over the age of 50 will be permitted," a police statement said. No restrictions will be imposed on women.

"A number of roads around the Old City will be limited to access and all necessary security measures are being taken to prevent and to respond to any outbreak of violence," police said.

On Thursday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said around 100 people were wounded inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and in adjacent areas of the Old City after clashes erupted, with police saying stones had been thrown at officers inside the compound.

Thousands of worshippers earlier streamed into the compound for afternoon prayers for the first time in two weeks, ending a boycott after Israel removed controversial new security measures, installed after a July 14 attack killed two policemen.

Some cried as they entered while others shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest). Some brought their children in what was initially a celebratory atmosphere.

Muslims had in previous days refused to enter the compound and prayed in the streets outside after Israel installed the new security measures.

Palestinians viewed the move as Israel asserting further control over the site.

Israeli authorities said the measures, including metal detectors, were needed because the July 14 attackers smuggled guns into the compound and emerged from it to attack the officers.