Israel reopens Jerusalem mosque - but only to men over 50 and women

Israel has reopened the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and deployed hundreds of security personnel amid rising tensions in the city. Muslim worshippers on Friday made their way through a welter of Israeli checkpoints to the site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. Police said that Muslim men over the age of 50 and women of all ages could attend the weekly prayers.

It was decided to restore (the compound) to normal… effective immediately.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri

Israel closed the mosque on Thursday after security forces shot and killed a Palestinian man suspected of attempting to assassinate a hard-line Jewish activist who advocates giving Jews greater access to the site. Israeli-American rabbi Yehuda Glick was shot three times late Wednesday but his condition is now said to be improving. Palestinians had condemned the closure as a “declaration of war.”

Middle East