Thousands of police assigned to the Jerusalem District will be involved in the special operation surrounding the Muslim month of Ramadan. Jerusalem Police Chief Mosh Edri beginning on Friday morning 2 Tammuz, and on every Friday of Ramadan, will deploy significantly more policepersons in and around Jerusalem’s Old City. Police officials report that policepersons will be stationed in the streets and alleyways of the Old City too towards ensuring safe and unrestricted passage for the thousands of Islamic worshipers expected to be visiting Har Habayis.

Police are calling on worshipers to familiarize themselves with regulations and to comply with instructions from policepersons in the field. Some streets will be closed during early morning and midday hours to accommodate the Friday Ramadan prayer services on Har Habayis.

Police officials explain the decision as to permitting PA (Palestinian Authority) residents into “Green Line” Israel rests solely in the hands of Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon.

At 13:00 on Friday, 2 Tammuz, police report an estimated 80,000 Muslim worshipers on Har Habayis including about 48,000 who passed through checkpoints from PA (Palestinian Authority) areas.

PHOTOS: Muslim worshipers beginning to disperse following Friday prayers.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)