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JERUSALEM, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Israeli police said Tuesday that east Jerusalem's flashpoint al-Aqsa mosque compound will be closed to Jewish visitors until the end of the Muslim holy month of the Ramadan.
The move was aiming at soothing newly erupted clashes at the site between Palestinian youths and Israeli forces.
The decision came on the third day of clashes, which included Palestinian hurling of stones and firecrackers and Israeli fire of gas. At least seven Palestinians were injured in the clashes, according to Palestinian medical officials.
Police spokeswoman Luba Samri said that riots broke out also on Tuesday, with youths hurling stones and objects at the police. She said the police arrested Tuesday five Palestinians for "rioting," after arresting 11 others on Monday.
The violence broke out after weeks without clashes at the compound, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews.
The site was at the center of Palestinian unrest that began in mid-September. The nine-month-long wave of violence saw the death of at least 205 Palestinians and 32 Israelis.
The violence erupted amidst Palestinian fears that Israel is attempting to change the long-held status quo at the site, which allows Jews to visit the compound but not to pray there.
