Israel beefs up security for Jerusalem religious ceremonies

By JOSEF FEDERMAN
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s defense minister has extended a closure barring entrance to Israel for Palestinians from the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip for the duration of the Jewish holiday of Passover, while police are preparing forces in Jerusalem on the eve of sensitive religious celebrations. The moves come after days of violence across the region at a time of heightened religious fervor – with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan coinciding with Passover and Easter celebrations. Jerusalem’s Old City, home to key Jewish, Muslim and Christian holy sites, has been teeming with visitors and religious pilgrims from around the world.