Hundreds of Muslims Barricade Themselves in Al-Aqsa

May 8, 2005

Source: Haaretz

http://www.haaretzdaily.com/hasen/spages/573793.html

On May 8, 2005 Haaretz reported, "Between 700 and 1,000 Muslim worshippers barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque atop the Temple Mount plaza on Sunday. The worshippers arrived at the site after rumors swirled that the far-right Jewish group 'Revava' had planned to visit the Temple Mount. Police have arrived at the scene. United Arab List MK Abdulmalik Dehamshe spoke with Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra, who said that he will look into the matter and make sure the situation does not deteriorate. Jerusalem police announced that it intends to limit the entrance of worshippers at the site on Monday. Only those 45 years of age and older carrying Israeli identity cards will be allowed to pray at the Temple Mount. Last month, would-be worshippers tried to circumvent the police by remaining at the site overnight before commencement of prayers. Muslims were fearful then that Jewish far-rightists would arrive at the site en masse."