Israel reopens sensitive holy site closed after attack

Image
AFP Jerusalem
Last Updated : Jul 16 2017 | 5:02 PM IST
Israel reopened an ultra- sensitive holy site today closed after an attack that killed two policemen, but Muslim worshippers were refusing to enter due to new security measures including metal detectors and cameras.
Crowds chanted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) as a number of initial visitors entered Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.
The flashpoint holy site includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
But midday Muslim prayers were held outside the site due to the new security measures.
"We reject the changes imposed by the Israeli government," Sheikh Omar Kiswani, Al-Aqsa director, told reporters outside.
"We will not enter through these metal detectors."
Three Arab Israeli assailants opened fire on Israeli police Friday in Jerusalem's Old City before fleeing to the compound.
Israeli authorities said they had come from the flashpoint holy site to commit the attack.
Israel took the highly unusual decision to close the Al- Aqsa mosque compound for Friday prayers, triggering anger from Muslims and Jordan, the holy site's custodian.
The site remained closed on Saturday, while parts of Jerusalem's Old City were also under lockdown.
Israeli authorities said the closure was necessary to carry out security checks and announced it would reopen the compound today.
Police said Sunday that so far two gates leading to the holy site had been opened, equipped with metal detectors.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 16 2017 | 5:02 PM IST

Next Story