Israel Lifts Restrictions on Muslims Entering Temple Mount

JERUSALEM – The Israeli authorities now allow unrestricted entry to the Temple Mount for the first time during the current escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine, the police said.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said on Friday that the day of prayers ended without exceptions and with the participation of about 30,000 Muslim worshippers, adding that there were no age restrictions for the entry.

The Temple Mount is located in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since 1967, and houses al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.

The place has been the epicenter of tension and in recent weeks the Israeli authorities prevented the entry of Muslims under 50 years.