Jerusalem Still a Closed City

Israeli border policemen stand guard while Muslim worshippers pray at the entrance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel imposes complete closure on West Bank and Gaza
21 September 2007

Bethlehem – Ma'an – Israel imposed a complete 'security' closure starting from Thursday evening on the whole of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which will last until Sunday morning.

The reason given for this measure is the Jewish Festival of Yom Kippur.

Israel said that they would not permit anyone to enter Jerusalem, except for emergency health care and then only with the coordination of the Israeli District Co-ordination Office (DCO). Muslim worshippers will also not be allowed to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayers even if they have a special permit to do so.

Israeli border police officers control Palestinian worshippers at Qalandiya checkpoint on the outskirts of Jerusalem September 21, 2007. (Loay Abu Haykel/Reuters)

The Israeli authorities also said they will deploy thousands of police in the streets of East Jerusalem especially in the Old City to ensure the safety of both Muslim and Jewish worshippers.

Tens of thousands of Jewish worshippers on Thursday night gathered in the square opposite the Wailing Wall.