Israel’s military intelligence chief praised Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday for his efforts to disarm militants, countering claims by the government, which has frozen plans to transfer responsibility for security. ”There is determined activity on his part in terms of his aims and intentions,” General Aharon Zeevi said.

Thousands of Israeli police have been deployed in Jerusalem’s old city for Muslim Friday prayers amid fears Palestinian anger would erupt over a planned gathering of Jewish extremists at a holy site. Palestinian groups warned Israelis that any extremist action around the compound at the meeting in two days time would be tantamount to a declaration of war.

Jerusalem’s gay community was preparing on Wednesday for strong opposition to its annual Gay Pride march after provocative posters comparing homosexuals to child molesters were plastered all over the Holy City. But parade organisers appeared unruffled by the virulent campaign.