Extra police at flashpoint Jerusalem mosque

Around 800 extra officers were deployed around Jerusalem's Old City on Friday as fears rose that a day of protests against new security measures could turn violent.

Arab neighborhoods around the site of the al-Aqsa mosque have seen violent clashes and stone-throwing attacks by Palestinians against Israeli cars in recent days.

Palestinian leaders called for a "day of rage" on Friday as anger spread over Israel's decision to limit access to the disputed site during the Jewish new year.

The third-holiest site in Islam is also home to Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism. Only Muslims are allowed to pray there, although Jews can visit. Israel on Friday also banned Muslim men under the age of 40 from praying at the site.

"In light of intelligence received indicating the intention of Arab youths to disturb the peace at Friday prayers on Temple Mount it was decided to limit the age of Muslim worshippers," said a police statement announcing the additional security reinforcements, which included the call-up of several hundred border police reservists.

Palestinians are also angry at plans by Israel to allow police and soldiers to open fire on anyone seen throwing stones at Israeli vehicles, after a rise in attacks on Jews.

Israel accuses Palestinian leaders of inciting violence against Jewish visitors to the holy site and say the Palestinians themselves are not respecting the status quo by attempting to prevent access by non-Muslims.

Protests are also planned on Friday in several cities in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including Ramallah, Hebron and Nablus, where a young man was shot by Israeli security forces after throwing a fire bomb.

mm/msh (AFP, AP, Reuters)