As Ramadan starts in Jerusalem, Al-Asqa mosque the centre of tension

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – As millions of Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s alleyways were dark and there were not many people shopping for festivities and holiday sweets”.

This is as Jerusalem’s alleyways were usually brimming with Ramadan lanterns, fairy lights and brightly outlined crescent moons.

The Times reports Israel issued restrictions on men under 40, preventing them from praying at the Al Asqa mosque on the first night of Ramadan.

The Israeli authorities said there were no new restrictions during Ramadan on entrance to the contested Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam and the most sacred place for Jews who know it as Temple Mount.

Jordan’s Foreign Minister warned that restrictions imposed on Muslim worshippers’ access to the compound was pushing the situation to an “explosion”.