Since September men under 45 had been denied access to site. Not clear if move aimed at cooling recent tension. An Israeli soldier stabbed this morning.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Israeli police have announced the lifting of restrictions that prevented access to the Al-Aqsa mosque for men under 45.

The announcement should allow everyone to Temple Mount for Friday prayers, but it is unclear whether the prohibition was lifted only for today.

The restrictions were imposed in September, following violent clashes at checkpoints at the base of the Temple Mount.

The decision seems to be related to diplomatic activity aimed at reducing the tension that gave birth to the "intifada of knives".  In the latest incident an Israeli soldier was wounded this morning in a stabbing near the Gevaot settlement. The soldier and his assailant were lightly wounded, and both have been hospitalized.

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