Israel restricts access to Jerusalem mosque ahead of Friday prayers

Israeli police barred Muslim men under the age of 50 for a second week in a row from entering Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque for Friday prayers.

Two weeks of tension and violence at the site have left four Palestinians dead.

Israel said the entry restriction was put in place to prevent clashes from once again erupting at the holy site. Men under the age of 50 and women will be allowed in.

Israel installed metal detectors and other security measures at an entrance to the mosque after a deadly attack there on July 14 that killed two police officers.

The measures provoked outrage and protests from Palestinians claiming that Israel was seeking to impose control over the site, holy to both Muslims and Jews. Israel denies such claims.

Thursday was the first day worshippers returned to the mosque after Israel removed all security installations put in place after July 14.

Dozens were injured in subsequent clashes with police. (dpa/NAN)