Palestinian sources said Friday that Israel stepped up its security measures around the West Bank and East Jerusalem ahead of Jewish Passover holiday.

The sources said that Israeli police deployed reinforcing units around the old city of Jerusalem and connecting routes in preparation for potential clashes in the yards of Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Israeli authorities have banned dozens to leave Gaza to perform prayers in the East Jerusalem holy mosque, the sources added.

The move came after Israel declared a closure around the West Bank and the border crossings surrounding Gaza until the coming Saturday midnight.

The Israeli public radio reported that under the closure, only Palestinians with humanitarian demands will be allowed to enter Israel, provided consent by Coordinator of the (Israeli) Government Activities in the Territories.

According to the radio, Israeli forces will be reinforced across the West Bank throughout the week-long holiday, as well as police units in East Jerusalem, with raising alertness all over Israel.

An Israeli security official warned Israelis of entering the areas under Palestinian control in the West Bank, stressing that it is of high risk and breach of law.

A recent wave of tensions broke out between Palestinians and Israelis since last October, killing over 200 Palestinians and 30 Israelis.

Source: XINHUA