According to Wafa news agency, Abbas discussed the situation with US President Donald Trump’s top adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, urging Washington to intervene in the situation immediately and to compel Israel to remove the metal detectors.
Abbas stressed that the situation was "extremely dangerous and might spiral out of control," the media outlet added.
The Palestinian leader is expected to hold an urgent meeting with his government to discuss the issue and decide on the appropriate response to Israel’s actions.
On July 14, two Israeli police officers died and another one was wounded after three armed assailants opened fire at the Temple Mount complex. The police pursued and killed the assailants. Following the attack, the site was cleared of visitors and closed off to carry out searches. The Israeli authorities also decided to step up security at the site.
Earlier in the day, the police barred male Muslims under the age of 50 from entering Jerusalem's Old City and Temple Mount for Friday prayers due to the threat of mass protests.
