Updated on
Summary
Israel boosted security in Jerusalem on Tuesday, as protests over access to a holy compound housing the al-Aqsa mosque flared across the region. The Western-backed Palestinian government pledged on Monday to confront Israel via diplomatic means as Israeli troops clashed with protesters in parts of Jerusalem - violence which later spread to the outskirts of Ramallah. Palestinians have warned that the tensions flaring over access to a holy compound housing the al-Aqsa mosque, an area considered as the third holiest for Islam, and revered by Jews as the site of an ancient temple, could, on the background of stalled peace talks, ignite a third uprising. Violence in Jerusalem flared on Sunday after Israel shut gates leading to the compound around al-Aqsa, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount, citing concerns for possible violence as hundreds of Jews held holiday prayers at the adjacent Western Wall. Those areas are all located inside Jerusalem's old city.
