Israel opens Al Aqsa mosque to some Palestinians for Ramadan

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Israel said Sunday it will allow some, but not all Palestinians to go to the Al Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem during the holy month of Ramadan that begins Monday.

In a statement, the Israeli military said Palestinian men aged 45 to 50 and married could join Friday prayers at the mosque, the third most sacred venue in Islam.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank aged 30 to 45 holding a special permit issued by Israeli military authorities will be able to join them, while men over 50, and women over 45, will enjoy free access to the mosque.

In addition, the Israeli authorities will extend opening hours at army checkpoints in the West Bank, and allow gifts to be taken to the 11,000-odd Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

The measures...