Palestinians Barred From Aqsa in Ramadan

Occupied Jerusalem - Imposing more restrictions to stifle Palestinians in the holy month of Ramadan, Israel limited access to Al-Aqsa mosque on the first Friday of Ramadan, denying the right of thousands of Palestinians to visit the holy mosque in the blessed day.

"Among those aged 45 to 50 years, only the fathers of families with a permanent entry permit for Israel will be allowed to go on the esplanade," a spokesman for the Israeli police told Agence France-Presse (AFP) ahead of the first Friday prayers during Ramadan.

Access to the complex was also denied for West Bank Palestinians under the age of 35, the spokesman said, claiming that the measures were imposed as a precaution due to the risk of violence.

Israel also tightened security in the holy city of Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem), deploying hundreds of police and border guards in the holy city.

"More than 2,000 police and border guards were deployed in Jerusalem," the spokesman noted.

The sprawling complex, known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), houses Al-Aqsa Mosque and the adjacent Dome of the Rock.

Al-Aqsa is the Muslims' first Qiblah [direction Muslims take during prayers] and it is the third holiest shrine after Al Ka`bah in Makkah and Prophet Muhammad's Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

Its significance has been reinforced by the incident of Al Isra'a and Al Mi'raj - the night journey from Makkah to Al-Quds and the ascent to the Heavens by Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him).

Israel captured and occupied the holy city of Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war before annexing it in a move not recognized by the world community or the UN.

Palestinians insist the city will be the capital of their future independent state.

Despite the Israeli measures, thousands of Palestinians converged in defiance on the holy site to mark the first Friday of Ramadan.

"More than 95,000 faithful Muslims came to pray today, the first Friday of Ramadan, at the mosque compound," police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld told AFP after the prayers had finished.

Israel generally prohibits Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip access to occupied Al-Quds.

The massive numbers of Palestinians - all of them are above the age of 45 - who were keen to visit the holy mosque despite the Israeli measures gives an important message to the Israelis, said Al-Quds Mufti Mohamed Hussein.

"The Palestinians are challenging all hardships to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque," Hussein told Saudi Al-Riyadh newspaper.

"It's a clear message to the Israeli occupation which said that the Palestinians would keep hold of Al-Quds as the Muslims' first Qiblah," he added.