Jerusalem tense as age limit imposed on al-Aqsa mosque

2017-07-28 27

The police were braced for possible violence, but in the end Friday prayers were relatively peaceful.

After the Israeli authorities set an age limit of 50 on those who could enter Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque, many young people prayed in nearby side streets.

Extra police stood guard throughout the Old City after two weeks of Palestinian demonstrations over security measures imposed by Israel but then later removed.

Officials say there were brief clashes on Friday with some protesters, but on the whole there was no serious violence.

The holy shrine is referred to by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount.

Israel made a u-turn on the installation of metal detectors and security cameras at the site amid international pressure.