Image: (MaanImages/Muhammad Sbeih)
BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) — Israeli forces deployed heavily at the 300 Checkpoint in Bethlehem on Friday as restrictions announced during the week were imposed on Palestinian worshipers.
A Ma’an reporter said Israeli forces prevented men under 50 and women under 30 from entering Jerusalem, while children under 12 and girls under 16 were allowed to enter.
The Bethlehem checkpoint is the main crossing point into Israel for the southern West Bank, with thousands travelling from other towns and villages to enter Jerusalem.
Ramadan often offers a rare opportunity for Palestinians to visit East Jerusalem, part of the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel, as entry to the city remains strictly limited during the rest of the year.
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