Israeli police turn Muslims away from Al Aqsa mosque in east Jerusalem

When Hamas called for a day of rage, the Israeli Police were on high alert. To avoid any clashes with Palestinians they implemented a strict age order on who could attend Friday prayers in East Jerusalem’s AlAqsa mosque. Authorities stipulated that no one under the age of 65 could enter the mosque, but the Palestinians still tried. What broke out just past the Damascus Gate was shouting and shoving as the police tried to move on the Muslim worshipers. Batons were brandished, Palestinians began to run and in the commotion some elderly people fell to the sides of the souk that led to the mosque. Down another market street worshipers were peacefully praying, their prayer mats laid out on the floor when police came round the corner and ordered they dispersed. Once more batons were brandished and the harsh thwack of the tool could be heard as they were ordered to leave. It is symbiotic of the rising tensions in this region as citizens await to hear the next steps in Israel’s planned ground invasion of Gaza. Subscribe to The Telegraph with our special offer: just £1 for 3 months. Start your free trial now: Get the latest headlines: and are websites of The Telegraph, the UK’s best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture. #israel #jerusalem #palestine