JERUSALEM, September 22, 2011 (WAFA) – Israeli police raised Thursday its state of alert in Israel, particularly in and around East Jerusalem and its Old City, on the eve of President Mahmoud Abbas’ scheduled speech at the United Nations, according to local sources.

They told WAFA that level of alert is one degree below the maximum.

Police will increase its presence at checkpoints around East Jerusalem and in some areas inside Israel. There was no mention of age restriction for those wishing to hold Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque inside Jerusalem’s Old City.

M.G./M.S.