J'lem Police clash with Arab youths

Youths tried to enter Temple Mount; police closed area to Muslim men under 45.

borderpoliceman 298.88 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
borderpoliceman 298.88
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Jerusalem Police used stun grenades to disperse hundreds of Arab youths who were trying to gain access to the Aksa Mosque on the Temple Mount for Friday prayers, police said. No injuries were reported in the clash. The Aksa Mosque was built atop a compound that is a sacred site for both Muslims and Jews. When tensions are running high, authorities often limit entrance to the compound to Muslims who are 45 or older. On Thursday, police prevented what it said was a planned Palestinian mass wedding at the Aksa Mosque. Islam's prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven from the mosque compound. The area also contains the remains of the Jewish Temple and is sacred to Jews.