Tight security in Jerusalem for Eid holidays

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Tight security in Jerusalem for Eid holidays
Palestinian women read the holy Quran as they wait to attend a protest against being prevented from entering Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on Wednesday. AFP photo

Jerusalem - Authorities also said 66 people had been arrested in Jerusalem over the past week.

By AFP

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Published: Mon 21 Sep 2015, 5:28 PM

Last updated: Mon 21 Sep 2015, 7:35 PM

Israel said on Monday thousands of police would be deployed in Jerusalem ahead of the Yom Kippur and Eid Al Adha holidays after three days of clashes rocked the Al Aqsa mosque compound.
Authorities also said 66 people had been arrested in Jerusalem over the past week, including some detained in connection with the unrest at Al Aqsa which saw Israeli police clash with protesters.
Yom Kippur begins on Tuesday night and lasts until Wednesday evening, with thousands of Jews expected to visit the Western Wall below the Al Aqsa compound in Jerusalem's Old City.
The Eid Al Adha holiday begins on Wednesday evening and continues until Sunday.
From Monday night, traffic will be restricted around the Old City and checkpoints will be set up.
The Al Aqsa compound will be open to visits as usual on Wednesday, but only Muslims will be allowed access during the four-day Eid holiday, police said.
Israeli authorities said they would decide on Tuesday whether to impose age restrictions on Muslims entering the compound. They have previously prevented younger people from entering to reduce the risk of violence when tensions have run high.
Last week's clashes occurred as Jews celebrated their New Year, or Rosh Hashanah.
Police said they raided the Al Aqsa compound to stop youths who had barricaded themselves inside the mosque from disrupting visits by Jews and tourists.
Clashes broke out during the raids, with protesters throwing fireworks, stones and other objects at police, who fired stun grenades.
There were also clashes in the alleyways of the Old City outside the compound. Friday saw further unrest in the occupied West Bank and sporadically in Jerusalem.
Al Aqsa, the third holiest site in Islam, is also venerated by Jews as the Temple Mount and is considered the most sacred in Judaism.


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