Jerusalem's al-Aqsa Mosque closed to non-Muslims after clashes

Israeli authorities have stopped visits for Jews and tourists in the final days of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

1 min read

28 June, 2016

Al-Aqsa closure

The al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been closed to Jews and non-Muslims by Israeli authorities until the end of Ramadan, after two days of clashes between Israeli security forces and worshippers.

The restrictions implemented by Israeli authorities will apply until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next week, a police spokeswoman told AFP.

Violence broke out in the mosque compound on Sunday, when worshippers protested against Jewish visits to the site during Ramadan.

This led to heated clashes in which rubber bullets were fired, injuring dozens of Palestinians. Several others were also arrested, including "four masked youths who were disrupting visits on the Temple Mount" by non-Muslims.

See in pictures: Palestinians protest at al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan

Situated in East Jerusalem's Old City, which Israel annexed without international recognition in 1967, the area around the al-Aqsa Mosque is revered by both Jews and Muslims.

Access to the mosque's compound is open to Jews and other non-Muslims, however this is during set hours in order to avoid disturbances.

Sunday's clashes came as the Ramadan entered its last ten days, considered to be the holiest of the month by adherents of the Islamic faith.