The PA and Muslim leaders announced the end of their boycott of the Temple Mount after Israeli authorities removed metal detectors and other new security measures taken in response to a deadly terror attack on the site.
Muslims will return to pray at the Temple Mount after police confirmed Thursday that all security measures put into place around the compound following the murder of two police officers adjacent to the site on July 14 has been dismantled and that the situation has returned to what it was prior to the attack.
Police said security measures will continue in and around the old city, while extra police units remain deployed in the area.
Following a meeting with the Jordanian Waqf (Islamic trust) on Thursday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and the Mufti of Jerusalem, Muhammad Ahmad Hussein, said that prayers could resume at Al-Aqsa.
Clashes between Palestinians and security forces had occurred on an almost-daily basis since the security measures were put in place. Four Palestinians were killed in clashes with security forces during a “Day of Rage” last Friday – one of them when an explosive device he was about to throw at Israeli troops blew up in his own hands. Another “Day of Rage” had been called for this Friday.
Jerusalem Police Chief Yoram Halevy said officers will continue to check suspects when necessary and warned that anyone trying to take advantage of the situation would meet a tough response. “If anyone tries to disturb the peace or attack police officers or civilians, they should not be surprised if anyone gets hurt. Don’t try us,” Halevy stated.
By: TPS