Jerusalem, July 05: Jerusalem's Old City holy shrine has been guarded by Israeli security ahead of Muslim Friday prayers following an Israeli decision to allow visits by Israelis and tourists to the shrine which has been closed to non-Muslims since the start of the latest Palestinian uprising. Israeli police prepare for Muslim Friday prayers. Security here in Jerusalem's Old City is on high alert following the reopening of this shrine to Israelis and tourists. It had been closed to non-Muslims since the latest Palestinian uprising began. Although the U.S.-backed "road map" to peace, seems to be making progress -- with Israeli forces pulling out of West Bank towns and a three month cease fire being observed by three main Palestinian militant groups, there have been setbacks. The al-Aqsa brigade is divided over the truce and one militant from one of the West bank-based brigades was killed by Israeli forces on Thursday. Troops also blocked the main highway in Gaza, apparently in response to a Palestinian attack.


The Palestinian Security Minister says those who carry out guerrilla attacks against Israel can expect no mercy.


Following a road map demand, Israel has released 34 Palestinian prisoners, but Palestinians say that's not enough.


Israeli officials say all militant groups will have to be disarmed before Israel pulls out of any other Palestinian areas, but the al-Aqsa Brigade won't join the ceasefire, threatening further progress of the road-map.

Bureau Report