Israeli police ban Muslims under 45 from holy sites

Israeli police have banned young Muslims from accessing holy sites in Jerusalem, following several consecutive days of incidents, reports the Patria news agency.

Police spokesman Luba Samri stated that men under the age of 45 are strictly prohibited from entering the Al-Aqsa compound and added that the age limit is periodically imposed to maintain peace, as the unrest is mainly carried out by younger Palestinians.

The unrest began three weeks ago, when Palestinians repeatedly barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa compound and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police officers, reports AP.

The ban was prompted by Palestinian accusations that Israel plans to alter the appearance of the hilltop — a shared holy site for Jews and Muslims. Israel has firmly denied these rumors and accused Palestinian leaders of incitement.