Israel Curbs Ramadan Prayer Entry

September 14, 2007

Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6994606.stm

Scuffles broke out between Israeli troops and Palestinians in the West Bank, as Muslims tried [to] reach a holy shrine on the first Friday of Ramadan.

Hundreds waited at checkpoints north and south of Jerusalem after Israel imposed tighter security than usual.

Only men aged over 45 were allowed to enter Jerusalem for prayers at the al-Aqsa mosque in the Old City.

Israel said curbs on movement were essential for security but Palestinians denounced it as collective punishment.