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Israel on high alert for Jewish new year, Intifada anniversary
Jerusalem, Sept 26: Israeli Police went on high alert today, fearing attacks by Palestinian militants ahead of the third anniversary of the Intifada and the Jewish new year, police sources said.
Jerusalem, Sept 26: Israeli Police went on high alert today, fearing attacks by Palestinian militants ahead of the third anniversary of the Intifada and the Jewish new year, police sources said.
The police in Jerusalem restricted access to Muslims to the mosque compound, where thousands of worshippers flock to pray every Friday, fearing celebrations marking the third
anniversary of the uprising might spill over.
The police will only allow "Muslims over 40, Israeli Arabs, East Jerusalem residents and women of all ages" to enter the mosque compound, which is the third holiest site in Islam, spokesman Shmuel Rubin said. The compound is home to the al Aqsa Mosque and the dome of the rock but is also built on the ruins of the Jewish temple, the holiest site in Judaism.
A controversial visit there by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon on September 28, 2000 sparked clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli Police which led to the eruption of the uprising. The Israeli Army also imposed a tight closure of the West Bank today to prevent attacks by Palestinians over the new year holiday, a day after six Palestinians were killed by the Israeli Army.
The deaths, mainly during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, marked a surge in violence after a two-week lull.
Israeli troops were also on high alert across the country for the Jewish new year, a military spokesman said. Bureau Report
The police will only allow "Muslims over 40, Israeli Arabs, East Jerusalem residents and women of all ages" to enter the mosque compound, which is the third holiest site in Islam, spokesman Shmuel Rubin said. The compound is home to the al Aqsa Mosque and the dome of the rock but is also built on the ruins of the Jewish temple, the holiest site in Judaism.
A controversial visit there by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon on September 28, 2000 sparked clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli Police which led to the eruption of the uprising. The Israeli Army also imposed a tight closure of the West Bank today to prevent attacks by Palestinians over the new year holiday, a day after six Palestinians were killed by the Israeli Army.
The deaths, mainly during military operations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, marked a surge in violence after a two-week lull.
Israeli troops were also on high alert across the country for the Jewish new year, a military spokesman said. Bureau Report