Muslim worshippers flocked to Jerusalem by the tens of thousands for Friday prayers on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.


Thousands of Israel Police and Border Police officers were dispatched across East Jerusalem in order to maintain order and prevent public disturbances.


Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovich, Jerusalem District Commissioner Niso Shaham, and Chief Commissioner Yohanan Danino toured Old City and took stock of the situation.


Some restrictions on Palestinian worshippers trying to enter the city were relaxed for the first time in several years. Men aged 40 and over and under 12 and all female worshippers could enter Jerusalem from the West Bank without a permit.


Entrance to the Temple Mount for Muslim worshippers was not restricted.