Israel allows 100 worshippers at Western Wall

In this Dec. 13, 2013 file photo, the Western Wall, right, and the gilded Dome of the Rock, among the holiest sites for Jews and Muslims, are covered in snow. (AP / Dusan Vranic)

Israel’s Supreme Court on Sunday authorized up to 100 worshippers to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, up from 50 since the start of the war with Iran, according to a ruling seen by AFP.

Responding to a petition by an NGO, the court said the “number of worshippers permitted on the Western Wall plaza will be increased to 100 people, instead of the previous limit of 50,” adding this would take effect immediately.

The judges gave the state until April 7 to justify its “protection policy regarding holy sites” in general.

Since the start of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, security has been stepped up in the Old City, located in annexed east Jerusalem and home to sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims.

Citing security concerns, authorities have banned access to world-renowned holy sites, including the Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Under wartime security guidelines, gatherings of more than 50 people are banned in Israel, as the country faces daily barrages of missiles and rockets from Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon.