Religion Roundup
Israeli Police Limiting Entry for Ramadan Prayers
Associated Press
September 5, 2008
JERUSALEM - Jerusalem police are severely restricting entry of West Bank Palestinians into Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque compound for the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
A police statement says married men between 45 and 50 years old can enter with a permit, while those under 45 are banned, and those over 50 can enter freely. Married women between 30 and 45 need permits.
Israel controls the Old City of Jerusalem and its holy sites. In peaceful times, hundreds of thousands of Muslims crowd the hilltop holy site in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Israel explains the limits by saying it's for security. In the past, services have ended with riots. The statement concludes, "Police are prepared to prevent all disturbance by anyone."
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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