Israel halts holy site visits

Muslims were upset by the decision to allow Jewish visits

Israeli police have suspended visits by non-Muslims to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif - the Noble Sanctuary.

The controversial visits to the site resumed several weeks ago, despite Palestinian protests, but have been halted amid rising anger and fears of violence, reports said.

A police spokeswoman told AFP: "We have decided for operational reasons to forbid for the moment these visits."

She did not say how long the suspension would remain in place.

The original decision to allow Jews and Christians back to the site was deeply controversial.

'Grave consequences'

Since the current Palestinian uprising erupted in September 2000 - coming after a visit by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon to the site - only Muslims have been allowed there.

Israeli officials have become increasingly concerned in recent days that violence could erupt at the holy site, Israel's Haaretz newspaper reports.

The matter has received a lot of coverage in the Palestinian media and has also drawn harsh comments from Palestinian leaders.

Yasser Arafat warned of "grave consequences" if Israel continued to allow Jews to visit the site.

Police last week banned Muslims under the age of 40 visiting the site, fearing protests by Palestinians against the decision to allow visits by Jews.