poppy field in Ella Valley near Jerusalem

epa09908764 People enjoy a walk in a poppy field near Moshav Neve Michael in the Ella Valley near Jerusalem, Israel, 25 April 2022. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Holy Fire ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

epaselect epa09904322 An Orthodox Christian worshipper holds a burning torch near the Tomb of Christ during the miracle of the Holy Fire ceremony in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, Israel, 23 April 2022. Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that the Holy Fire, which emanates from within the Tomb of Christ, spontaneously lights other lamps and candles around the church and reaches Jerusalem and even foreign countries. The fire represents the flame of the resurrection power. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Underground drag show on New Years eve in Jerusalem

epa08096954 Israeli drag queen, Fadua Abu Freha during the New Year's eve party celebrations in a bar in downtown Jerusalem, Israel, 31 December 2019. Fadua Abu Freha real name Meital Atias, 25, grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family of settlers before he left his home and started to perform. Meital Atias (Fadua Abu Freha) is one of the leaders of the underground drag scene in Jerusalem. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Jerusalem Santa at the Dead Sea

epa08821384 Jerusalem Santa Issa Kassissieh on a salt formation in the Ein Bokek beach at the hotels resort of the Dead Sea, 15 November 2020. The photo opportunity was organized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism in order to encourage back tourism in the Dead Sea area ahead of the Christmas holiday. One of the many sectors that were heavily affected by COVID-19 is tourism, which resulted in Governments trying to revive it again for Christmas season. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Israeli artillery at Gaza border

epaselect epa09193486 Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border, Israel, 12 May 2021. At least 40 people were reportedly killed in Gaza and five in Israel as tensions have escalated in the region, leading to the heaviest offensive between Israelis and Palestinians in years. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Israeli artillery at Gaza border

epaselect epa09193292 Israeli artillery in action as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border, Israel, 12 May 2021. At least 40 people were reportedly killed in Gaza and five in Israel as tensions have escalated in the region, leading to the heaviest offensive between Israelis and Palestinians in years. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Anti-Netanyahu protest in Jerusalem

epaselect epa08580024 A person stands on a fountain during a protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, outside his residence in Jerusalem, Israel, 01 August 2020. Netanyahu is facing trial for indictments filed against him by the State Attorney's Office on a charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Summer heat in Israel

epa07026915 An Israeli swimming with his dog in the Red Sea, in Eilat, southern Israel, 15 September 2018 (issued 17 September 2018), on a hot summer day. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Anti-Netanyahu protest in Jerusalem

epaselect epa08546438 Israeli police use water canon to spread protesters blocking the road during a protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu corruption charges, outside his residence in Jerusalem, Israel, 14 July 2020. Netanyahu face an ongoing trial with indictments filed against him by the State Attorney's Office on a charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Covid-19 tests in Israel

epa08951166 Israeli medics wearing full protective equipment collect swab samples for COVID-19 testing during a national lockdown in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv, Israel, 20 January 2021. Although Israel is one of the first countries to have received vaccines and has so far vaccinated more than two million of its around nine million citizens, the rate of infection with the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus, that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is rising drastically as Israel entered a full closure of two weeks. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Ultra-Orthodox Jews protest against army recruitment

epa06284802 Police use water canon trying to disperse Ultra-Orthodox Jewish demonstrators as they block the main entrance to Jerusalem, during a protest against army recruitment in Jerusalem, Israel, 23 October 2017. The Ultra-Orthodox community in Israel is holding ongoing protest against army recruitment. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Carnival of Venice

epa08239777 A security guard wearing a protective face mask stand guard as masked and costumed people walk by on the streets of Venice near San Marco square during the Carnival in Venice, Italy, 23 February 2020. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Flock of starlings in Israel

epa06494329 A flock of starling birds fly in formation at sunset near the Arab town of Rahat, southern Israel, 03 February 2018. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Colorful World: Fifty Shades of Brown

epa08418631 (03/50) Dust rises after an explosion during a combat simulation against Hezbollah at a model of a Lebanese village as part of a large-scale military exercise at the Shizafon military base in southern Israel, 23 January 2019 (reissued 13 May 2020). The color brown is associated with all things nature: Earth, soil, wood, and the seasons of fall and winter. Brown is the color of hearth and home and symbolizes stability, reliability, dependability, honesty, and comfort. A natural, neutral color, it is often perceived as solid, warm but can also - especially in comparison with other colors - appear drab and boring. In the arts, it is a composite color made by combining red, yellow, and blue (or red, yellow, and black). EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET

Ultra-Orthodox JewsVizhnitz wedding

epa06469134 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Rabbi dances with the bride Rivka Zirel at Vizhnitz (Hasidic dynasty) during the wedding of Vizhnitz Rabby's granddaughter in Bnei Brak, Israel, on 23 January 2018 . Thousands gathered to celebrate the Rabby granddaughter's wedding. EPA-EFE/ABIR SULTAN

Ultra-Orthodox Jews celebrate the Jewish feast of Tu Bishvat

epa05600504 YEARENDER 2016 JANUARY Ultra-Orthodox Jews from the Beltz Hasidic dynasty grab oranges as they celebrate the Jewish feast of Tu Bishvat, or 'Tree New Year', with rabbis in an Ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Jerusalem, Israel, 25 January 2016. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Pidyon haben ceremony in Jerusalem

epaselect epa05518195 Ultra Orthodox Jews gather around a new born baby in a silver bowl during the pidyon haben (redemption of the first born son) ritual of the great-grandson of Lelov hasidic dynasty in Jerusalem, Israel, 01 September 2016. Pidyon haben is an ancient Jewish custom in Judaism whereby a Jewish firstborn son is redeemed by use of silver coins from his birth-state of sanctity at the age of 30 days. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Israeli settlers block Amona evacuation

epa05764806 Israeli settlers barricade themselves in their house as Israeli security forces arrive to the illegal Jewish settlement of Amona, in the West Bank, 01 February 2017. Israeli police have deployed 3,000 policemen around the settlement for a planned eviction ordered by the Israeli Supreme Court. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Snow in Jerusalem Old City

epa04628433 Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray at the snow-covered compound of the Western Wall after a winter storm left about 15 to 20 centimeters of snow in Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, 20 February 2015. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Israelis enjoy water spring at the Jordan Valley

epa04695962 A young Israeli settler snorkels as sheep belonging to a Palestinian shepherd drink water from the spring located at Jordan Valley near the Palestinian village of Uja near the West Bank town of Jericho on 08 April 2015. Hundreds of Israelis took advantage of the Passover holiday to spend time with their families outdoors across the country. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Funeral of late soldier Netanel Yahalomi

epa03407180 Israeli soldiers, one hugging the little brother of late soldier Netanel Yahalomi, attend his funeral at the military cemetery in Modiin, Israel, 23 September 2012 . Netanel Yahalomi was killed on 21 September 2012 during a shootout between the Islamic Jihad movement and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers at the Israel-Egypt border. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Protest against an anti-Islam film made in the US

epa03397713 Israeli border police arrested a Palestinian demonstrator during a demonstration at Damascus Gate, East Jerusalem, on 14 September 2012. Reports state that Palestinian demonstrators protested against an anti-Islam film made in the US. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Tunick campaign for Save Our Sear Tunick to rais the international awareness to the disappearance of the Dead Sea

epa03397158 Israelis raise their hands and float in the waters of the Dead Sea as they participate in a special project initiated by internationally known artist photographer Spencer Tunick near the beach resort of Ein Bokek, Israel, 14 September 2012 morning. Media reports state that the event was organized to raise awareness of the continuously shrinking Dead Sea. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Jewish settlers in the unauthorized West Bank Jewish settlement of Migron

epa03371513 A Jewish settler family at the illegal West Bank settlement called Migron, north of Jerusalem, 27 August 2012. Some 30 Jewish settler families face mandatory evacuation of their homes by 28 August. No decision by the settlers has been made to voluntarily move to nearby alternate 'caravan' homes which have been built in the past several months, or if they will resist evacuation. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Israelis and Arabs body building contest

epa03368522 Israelis and Arabs prepare themselves backstage prior to the Israel body building contest in Netanya, Israel, 23 August 2012. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Miracle of the Holy Fire in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem the day before Orthodox Easter

epaselect epa05284030 Orthodox Christian worshipper at the Tomb of Christ as the miracle of the Holy Fire occurs in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel, 30 April 2016. Eastern Orthodox Christians believe the Holy Fire, which emenates from within the Tomb of Christ and quickly spreads around the church and outside to Jerusalem and even to foreign countries, represents the flame of the Resurrection power, as well as the fire of the Burning Bush of Mount Sinai. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Falling meteors in the sky over a tomb in Nebi Musa

epa03361022 Long exposure shows falling meteors in the sky over a tomb in Nebi Musa site at Judean Desert near the west bank city of Jericho, late on 13 August 2012 EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Completion of Shas

epa03348839 Ultra-Orthodox Jews listen to their rabbi speaking as they celebrate the completion of Shas (Siyum Hashas, Seven years of studying Talmud) at the ultra-Orthodox West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit, located south of Jerusalem, 07 August 2012. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Ultra Orthodox Jews dressed as Holocaust prisoners during protest in Jerusalem about women issues

epa03046352 A group of ultra-Orthodox Jews wearing prison uniforms from the Holocaust and also wearing yellow Stars of David with 'Jude' written on them sit in a truck with bars during a protest in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood. 31 December 2011, protesting what they call the 'media campaign of incitement' being waged against their community , especially as it refers to the separation of men and women in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish society. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Tourists at the Dead Sea

epa03317503 Tourists smear themselves with mud from the Dead Sea in a Dead Sea coastal resort near Ein Gedi, Israel, 25 July 2012. Mud from the Dead Sea, which is rich on several minerals, is said to be good for the regeneration of the skin and is even sold as a cosmetic therapy for skin diseases. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Hillary Clinton meets with Israeli President Shimon Peres

epa03307856 US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Israeli President Shimon Peres (R) hold a joint press conference at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, Israel, 16 July 2012. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton landed in Israel overnight for a brief visit, focusing on Israel's tense relations with post-revolution Egypt, Iran and the stalled peace process with the Palestinians. She was scheduled to meet Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, President Shimon Peres, Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is her first visit for around two years and the last leg of a 12-day tour abroad which included Egypt for her first talks with its new president, Mohammed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood. She is also expected to meet acting Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in the West Bank. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

violence against African immigrants in Jerusalem

epa03304389 View of the premises the burned apartment inhabited by an Eritrean family in Central Jerusalem, Israel, 12 July 2012, after suspected arsonists provoked a fire during the night. The 40 year old man was badly burned and his wife, 24 years old and seven months pregnant, suffered smoke inhalation. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Holocaust survivor pageant in Haifa

epa03286929 Holocaust survivor Genia Schwartz-Bardt (89) having her hair made up by a professional before the Holocaust Survivor Pageant in Haifa on June 28, 2012. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Wedding ceremony in Bnei Brak

epa03283115 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Bride and her relatives prepares during a traditional wedding ceremony in Bnei Brak, Israel, 27 June 2012 as hundreds of Hasidic Jews attend the wedding of the son of the Nadvorna Hasidic dynasty . EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Dead Sea - New Seven Natural Wonders candidate

epa02997600 An aerial view of the Dead Sea shows how the sea level has lowered causing erosion north of Ein Gedi, Israel, 09 November 2011. The Dead Sea with its mineral rich waters is the lowest point on Earth and is among the top candidates of the 28 finalists in the global online campaign to select the new Seven Wonders of the Natural World, to be decided on 11 November 2011. The lack of water reaching the sea has caused water levels to drop and has formed many sinkholes (lower L) on the shores. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

New Seven Natural Wonders candidate

epa02997554 An aerial view of tourists bathing in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea at the resort area of Ein Boqek, Israel, 09 November 2011. The Dead Sea is one of the 28 finalists in the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World global online campaign whose winning list will be decided via mobile phone voting that closes on 11 November 2011. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

African migrants in Tel Aviv

epa03261787 An immigrant from southern Sudan is handcuffed as he sits in an Israeli Immigration and Population Department car after being arrested, in Tel Aviv, Israel, 12 June 2012. Israel is continuing with detaining and arresting African illegal migrants from South Sudan who they say are not political refugees but people who came to Israel seeking a better way of life, and they should be deported. Israeli media report that dozens of African migrants, most of them from South Sudan, have been arrested before dawn on June 11 in the southern resort town of Eilat, on the Red Sea. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Hava Raucher Exhibit

epa02983161 An Israeli child holds the hand of one of the sculptures of naked people made of clay by Israeli artist Hava Raucher, on display at the Artists House gallery in Tel Aviv, Israel, 28 October 2011. The artwork is entitled the 'Town Square'. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Opening Israel Pride Week in Tel Aviv

epa03245814 Homosexuals dance at a club during the opening event of the Israel Pride Week in Tel Aviv, Israel, early on 02 June 2012. The Israel Pride Week runs until 08 June 2012 which is the annual gay pride parade. An international survey sponsored by American Airlines named Tel Aviv as the world's 'Best Gay City of 2011' EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Disabled veterans center in Tel Aviv

epa03248471 (14/15) Israeli Six Day War veteran Zvika Karsh prepares to swim in the pool at the Israeli Defense Forces veterans center for rehabilitation in Tel Aviv, Israel, 25 May 2012. The leg at right belongs to another veteran, also in the pool. Karsh, an Israeli paratrooper in the Six Day War, stepped on a land mine on 10 June 1967 during an attack on a Syrian army outpost called G'albina, on the Golan Heights. EPA/ABIR SULTAN PLEASE SEE ADVISORY NOTICE (epa03248457) FOR FULL FEATURE TEXT

Nakba Day protests in East Jerusalem

epa03220216 Israeli undercover police officers arrest a Palestinian man during clashes in the east Jerusalem Arab neighbourhood of Issawiya, 15 May 2012. Thousands gathered in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, commemorating the dispersal of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes in the wake of the creation of Israel 64 years ago. Tensions boiled over in several locations, with clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli soldiers and police in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Medical officials said some 60 demonstrators were injured, mainly from tear gas inhalation, but also by rubber bullets. Known in Arabic as the Nakba, or catastrophe, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled their homes during the war that erupted a day after Israel declared statehood on May 14, 1948. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Israeli paratroopers training in full battle gear

epa02915166 Israeli army paratroopers take part in a training jump in full battle gear over the Palmachim military base near Tel Aviv, Israel, on 13 September 2011. Although the Paratroopers Brigade has had only one operational combat parachute drop ever, during the 1956 Sinai War, volunteers accepted into the elite unit undergo operational training jumps with all the equipment needed for battle. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Samaritan community marks Passover

epa03214354 Members of the Samaritan sect take part in a pilgrimage marking the holiday of Passover on Mount Gerizim on the outskirts of the West City of Nablus , at sunrise on 11 May 2012, during a religious service marking the end of their Passover holiday. The Samaritan community claims they are descendants from a group of Israelites and assert they worship their religion in an unaltered form. There are only about 700 Samaritans in the world, about half of whom live in a village in close proximity and the remainder in Holon near Tel Aviv. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Portraits by French street artist JR

epa02901905 People passing by pictures of Israelis taken by French street artist JR are plastered on the floor in the Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem, Israel, 06 September 2011. The prints are part of an art project called 'Time Is Now - Yalla,' (Arabic for 'Let's Go') by the artist named JR, who prefers to remain anonymous. The project entails having Palestinians and Israelis make self-portraits which are then printed large in black and white and pasted onto walls, as a way of making the two peoples view each other on a basic level, as normal, individuals. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Palestinian children enjoy waterfall in Eid Gedi Nature Reserve during Edi al Fitr holiday

epa02892633 Palestinian children enjoy a waterfall in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve on the banks of the Dead Sea, Israel, on 01 September 2011, during the Eid al-Fitr Muslim holiday. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Orthodox nuns procession before the Feast of the Assumption

epa02880002 Orthodox nuns hold candles and flowers as they take part in a procession to bring the icon of the Virgin Mary to the tomb where it is believed she is buried, through Jerusalem's Old City, Israel, 25 August 2011. Every year before the Feast of the Assumption, the icon is brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to the tomb of the Virgin Mary to honor her Assumption. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Orthodox Good Friday procession in Jerusalem

epa03181459 An Orthodox Christian worshipper prays on a cross during a Good Friday procession in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem old city, Israel, 13 April 2012. Thousands of pilgrims, tourists and clergy took part in the celebrations. Orthodox churches celebrate Easter according to the Julian calendar. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Christians visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the Holy Week of Easter

epa03177549 Ethiopian Orthodox Christians pray at the Chapel of the Deir Sultan Monastery in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, 10 April 2012. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Purim festival in Jerusalem

epa03137671 Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men dance and sing during a celebrations for the holiday of Purim at the Matmidim Hasidic dynasty synagogue in Jerusalem, Israel, 08 March 2012. The Jewish holiday of Purim celebrates the Jews' salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Scroll of Esther. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

African refugees in Tel Aviv

epa03124959 An African refugee stands next to a mural near the central bus station in southern Tel Aviv, Israel, 27 February 2012. Some 50,000 Africans have entered Israel in recent years, fleeing conflict and poverty in search of safety and opportunity in the relatively prosperous Jewish state. A growing number of African migrants say they were captured, held hostage and tortured by Egyptian smugglers hired to sneak them into Israel. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Israeli women soldiers in desert training to become squad commanders

epa02451908 An Israeli woman soldier takes part in a week-long exercise in the Negev Desert in southern Israel training to become a Squad Commanders and infantry instructor, on 16 November 2010. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

Israeli women soldiers in desert training to become squad commanders

epa02451906 Israeli women soldiers in battle gear during a week-long exercise in the Negev Desert as they train to become Squad Commanders and infantry instructors, on 16 November 2010. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

US pilgrims in the Jordan River during a Baptism ceremony

epa03115415 US pilgrims in the Jordan River during a Baptism ceremony at the popular Baptism site at Yardenit, before the Jordan River exits into the Sea of Galilee, in northern Israel, 21 February 2012. The site is a popular destination for Christians and Baptists who visit Israel and retrace the footsteps of Jesus Christ in the holy land. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

New separation wall built along the Israeli Egyptian border

epa03107428 A general view of a part of the newly built fence along the Israeli Egyptian border, 15 February 2012. The fence runs along the entire land border of the Gaza Strip. The separation wall is made up of wire fencing with posts, sensors and buffer zones on lands bordering Israel, and steel walls on lands bordering Egypt. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Ancient Jewish cemetery on Mount of Olives

epa03095758 An Ultra Orthodox Jew (C) loses his hat while praying between gravestones on a hazy day at the ancient Jewish cemetery on Mount of Olives in Jerusalem's old city, on 07 February 2012. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Ultra Orthodox Jews marking the Tenth of Tevet fast day

epa03050268 An Ultra Orthodox Jew wearing a sack, a sign of mourning in the Jewish religion, prays during the Tenth of Tevet fast day at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem, 05 January 2012. Tenth of Tevet is one of the four Jewish fasts, commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon (588 BCE) and the destruction of the First Temple. EPA/ABIR SULTAN

Jerusalem Temple Mount riots

epa01922358 YEARENDER 2009 OCTOBER A Palestinians uses a fire extinguisher to put out a fire on one of the doors leading into the Temple Mount, or el Harim el-Sharif, in the Old City of Jerusalem, 25 October 2009. At least three Israeli police were injured by rocks as they tried to disperse Palestinians and quell rioting on the Temple Mount. Tensions in Jerusalem have been high since September 27, when rumours spread on the eve of the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday that Jews were trying to take over the compound, after after a group of French tourists made a pre-arranged, organized tour of the site under Israeli police escort. Over the weekend, radical Muslim and Jewish clerics called on their followers to come to the compound. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

Ultra orthodox jews at new outpost settmenet called Givat Sefer near Modiin Illit

epa01847470 An ultra-Orthodox Jew prays at sundown on 03 September 2009 at a new 'outpost' Jewish settlement called Givat Sefer, near the large town of Modi'in and the Jewish settlement of Modi'in Illit, just over the Green Line, in the West Bank. The outpost is started as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expanding settlements and there are reports that he has approved the construction of hundreds of new housing units in West Bank settlements before he declares a moratorium on building in those locales. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reiterated his position that settlement construction must be halted before he will meet with Netanyahu. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

Ultra Orthodox Jews view partial solar eclipse in Jerusalem

epa02515915 Ultra-Orthodox Jews use a welder's helmet and a glass filer to view the partial solar eclipse in Jerusalem, Israel, 04 January 2011. The partial solar eclipse can be seen in the whole of Europe, as well as parts of Africa and Asia. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

Palestinians observe Friday prayer outside Jerusalem Old City

epa02085359 Israeli Border Police stand guard as Palestinian Muslim worshippers perform Friday prayer outside Jerusalem's Old City in Israel on 19 March 2010 after they were banned from entering the al-Aqsa Mosque compound due to Israeli police age restriction for men under 50-years-old. Israel sealed off the West Bank amid continuing tension over Israel's plan to build new homes in Arab East Jerusalem. Israeli warplanes bombed targets in the southern Gaza Strip overnight after a rocket fired by Palestinian militants from the coastal enclave killed a foreign worker in Israel, the military said Friday. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT

Samaritan pilgrimage marking the holiday of Passover

epa01921029 YEARENDER 2009 APRIL Members of the small Samaritan community bow in prayers as they hold a brief service atop Mount Gerizim in the northern West Bank, above the city of Nablus, in celebrations of Passover on 16 Aopril 2009 morning. The Samaritan religion is descended from the ancient Israelite tribes of Menashe and Efraim, and the community numbers today about 700 people, half at Mount Grizim in the West Bank and the others in Holon near Tel Aviv in Israel. Most of the community did not show up and the serivce was cancelled due to unusually cold and windy weather. EPA/ABIR SULTAN ISRAEL OUT