Israeli police ban men under 50 from tense Jerusalem site

JERUSALEM – Israeli police say men under the age of 50 will be barred from a major Jerusalem shrine at the center of recent tensions.

Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says the move comes after security assessments show Palestinians plan protests at the holy compound Friday. The site is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

Rosenfeld says some Palestinians barricaded themselves inside Al-Aqsa Mosque overnight in order to join protests later. Police removed them after they refused to leave, he said.

Friday prayers are the highlight of the Muslim religious week. Thousands of Muslims from around Israel and Palestinian areas typically worship at the holy compound in Jerusalem's Old City.

Muslims returned to pray at the site Thursday after Israel removed security devices at the entrances.