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Israel has banned visits by Jews and tourists to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after a wave of unrest in the holy city of Jerusalem.
The holy complex, known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), their third-holiest site, and to Jews as the Temple Mount, the most sacred place in Judaism, will no longer be open to non-Muslim visitors until after Ramadan, which is anticipated to end around April 20.
Last week, the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex was raided repeatedly by Israeli police. At least 12 Palestinians and more than 400 other people were detained on the first night.
The raids prompted Israeli air and artillery raids in response to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip, southern Lebanon, and Syria.
The statement from Netanyahu’s office was issued after Israel’s top security officials held talks. It said the ban was unanimously recommended by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Israeli police Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet head Ronen Bar and police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai.