Jerusalem, July 30: Israeli Police today suspended visits by non-Muslims to a Jerusalem site holy to both Jews and Muslims that resumed several weeks ago despite Palestinian protests, a police spokeswoman said. "We have decided for operational reasons to forbid for the moment these visits" to what Jews know as Temple Mount and Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, or the noble sanctuary, the spokeswoman said.
She did not say how long the suspension would remain in place.
The Palestinian intifada, or uprising, erupted in September 2000 following a controversial visit to the site by then-opposition leader Ariel Sharon, now Israel's Prime Minister. Non-Muslims were then barred from the site, and an age limit was slapped on Muslims praying there, to avoid demonstrations by young militants.
Permission for visits by non-Muslims to resume in June came from Sharon, minister for internal security Tzahi Hanegbi and the police. Israeli ultra-nationalist groups demanding the right of Jews to pray at the site have announced their intention to gather there on August 6 for Tisha Beav which commemorates the destruction of the Jewish temple by the Romans in 70 ad.
Police last week banned Muslims under the age of 40 visiting the site, fearing protests by Palestinians against the decision to allow visits by Jews. Bureau Report