JERUSALEM, August 19, 2011 (WAFA) – Dozens of Jerusalem residents clashed Friday with Israeli police outside Damascus Gate, one of Jerusalem’s Old City main gates, after police prevented them from entering the Old City to reach Al-Aqsa Mosque, where they were planning to hold the Ramadan Friday prayer, said witnesses.
Residents were trying to break through police lines, which led to the clashes.
Police had banned men under 50 from entering the Old City to get to the Mosque, which created friction between the young worshippers and police.
Unlike the first two Ramadan Fridays when Israel allowed West Bank residents over 50 to reach Jerusalem without permit, Israel did not allow them to cross into Jerusalem this Friday.
Thousands of people arrived at the checkpoints leading to Jerusalem but were turned back by soldiers, who were present in large numbers.
Police, which was present in large numbers at the gates leading to the Old City to stop Muslim worshippers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, fired tear gas, rubber-coated metal bullets, used water canons to disperse the protesters.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.
WAFA
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