(JTA) — Following trilateral talks with Jordan and the United States on de-escalating tensions in Jerusalem, Israel removed its age limitation on entrance to the Temple Mount.
On Friday, Israel for the first time in two weeks allowed Muslim men under the age of 50 to enter the Temple Mount compound, which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Army Radio reported.
The limitation came after several weeks of violent clashes in eastern Jerusalem between Israeli troops and Palestinian protesters, and a spike in terrorist attacks in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Its lifting came hours after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met in Amman with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
At a news conference in Amman Thursday, Kerry said that in the talks the leaders agreed “to make sure that they de-escalate the situation, and that the steps they take will instill confidence that the status quo will be upheld.” He declined to specify the steps in question.
“There are firm commitments, particularly from the custodian of the holy mosque,” Kerry said in reference to Jordan, “as well as Israel, to guarantee that they will take these steps.”
Asked whether Jordan would return its ambassador to Israel, who was recalled for consultation during the escalation period, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said: “Let’s see what happens and then we’ll review our decision, but we have to see what happens on the ground first.”
Meanwhile, security forces in Jerusalem were deployed in large numbers to respond to rioting, Army Radio reported.
On Thursday, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was injured when a sponge bullet fired by Israel Police hit him in the face.
The incident happened during a demonstration in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya. Police fired the bullets, as well as tear gas and other crowd control methods, as masked Palestinian youths threw rocks at them, AFP reported.
The bullet smashed the youth’s nose and caused heavy bleeding. He is being treated at Hadassah Medical Center in Ein Kerem, where he is listed in moderate condition.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
