Israel blocks roads in Jerusalem, sets up barriers around Al-Aqsa

Large numbers of Israeli occupation forces were deployed in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas today and military barriers were erected in several neighbourhoods in the city.

Restrictions were also imposed on the entry of Palestinians to the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque from the occupied West Bank ahead of Friday prayers.

According to Israeli media sources, the Israeli army forces called on more forces from the occupied West Bank, which spread across areas surrounding Jerusalem and into areas which had witnessed demonstrations over the past few days.

Additional Israeli forces were also deployed to protect a number of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Read: Al-Aqsa in crisis

The occupied Arab neighbourhood of At-Tur, Ras Al-Amoud and Shuafat camp in Jerusalem had new blockades setup around them.

Men under the age of 50 were also denied entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque in what was due to be the first time Friday prayers were held in the mosque for two weeks.