Israeli police bars Aqsa Mosque guard from entering compound

Israeli police Thursday barred an Aqsa Mosque guard from entering the Jerusalem-based Muslim compound for two weeks, according to officials.

They said police arrested the guard, Fadi Bakir, on Wednesday after he prevented Jewish fanatics from performing rituals during a tour of the mosque compound.

Bakir was release hours later but ordered not to enter the compound, where he works, for two weeks.

Jewish fanatics, who claim the compound was the site of their temple, have increased their provocative tours of al-Aqsa Mosque and many attempt to perform religious rituals during the visit in violation of standing orders.

Mosque guards usually intervene to prevent the fanatics from performing religious rituals when Israeli police, who normally accompany the fanatics during their tour, fails to interfere.

source: WAFA