Palestinian worshipers and Israeli police clashed today outside the Old City of Jerusalem amid tensions over Israeli authorities’ decision to bar male worshipers under 50 from entering the area for prayers.
The unrest erupted outside Herod’s Gate as Israeli police stopped younger men from entering the Old City of Jerusalem and Temple Mount, also known as the Noble Sanctuary, allowing only male worshipers aged 50 and over and women to go through.
The restrictions were imposed after a fatal shooting last week.
According to BBC News, police said water cannon and tear gas were fired after rioters threw stones and other objects outside the walls of the Old City.
A Palestinian youth was also reportedly shot dead nearby, but the circumstances of the killing are not yet clear.
Tensions have soared since two Israeli policemen were killed last Friday in a shooting by the Lions’ Gate in the Old City walls, next to what Muslims call the Noble Sanctuary and Jews the Temple Mount.
