Israel bans males under 50 from praying at Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli police Friday banned Palestinian males who are under 50 years of age from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque as the Palestinians get ready to ask for United Nations membership. No restrictions were imposed on females. Police increased its presence in and around East Jerusalem in anticipation of possible outbreak of violence as a result of the UN bid. The Palestinian Authority had asked Palestinians not to engage in any violent act and to keep their protests to peaceful support rallies in the city centers and away from contact points with the Israeli army. In Jerusalem, however, Israeli police on Wednesday allowed Palestinians to peacefully express support for the UN bid, but it is not known how it will react following the Friday prayers if Palestinians start demonstrations in the occupied city.