West Bank sealed off after clashes

Israel has sealed off the West Bank for 48 hours, preventing Palestinians from entering Israel because of fears of unrest.

There have been clashes after prayers at mosques in Jerusalem and elsewhere on Fridays in recent weeks, sparked by deadlock in peace talks and Israel's inclusion of two West Bank shrines on a list of national heritage sites.

Several Palestinians have been badly wounded and dozens of protesters and Israeli policemen have suffered minor injuries.

Police say only men aged over 50 will be allowed to pray today at the shrine at the centre of the disturbances - the Jerusalem compound Jews call the Temple Mount and Muslims call the Noble Sanctuary. There are no limitations on women.

The closure will end at midnight on Saturday.