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Work starts near Jerusalem shrine Work starts near Jerusalem shrine
(about 2 hours later)
Work has begun to repair an ancient mound near Jerusalem's holiest site, raising tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.Work has begun to repair an ancient mound near Jerusalem's holiest site, raising tensions between Palestinians and Israelis.
The Israeli authorities say the work is needed to restore a walkway leading to the al-Aqsa Mosque or Temple Mount compound in East Jerusalem.The Israeli authorities say the work is needed to restore a walkway leading to the al-Aqsa Mosque or Temple Mount compound in East Jerusalem.
Palestinian leaders say it threatens Islamic archaeological remains.Palestinian leaders say it threatens Islamic archaeological remains.
In 1996, work to open a tunnel alongside the compound sparked clashes in which 80 people died.In 1996, work to open a tunnel alongside the compound sparked clashes in which 80 people died.
And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader Ariel Sharon.And in 2000, the Palestinian uprising began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then opposition leader Ariel Sharon.
Israeli police are deployed throughout East Jerusalem's mainly-Arab Old City area and are blocking access to the compound to non-Muslims and Palestinians under 45.Israeli police are deployed throughout East Jerusalem's mainly-Arab Old City area and are blocking access to the compound to non-Muslims and Palestinians under 45.
A senior Muslim cleric urged Palestinians to rush to the compound to protest against the work at the so-called Dung Gate walkway.A senior Muslim cleric urged Palestinians to rush to the compound to protest against the work at the so-called Dung Gate walkway.
Echoing that call, Prime Minister Ismail Haniya of the Hamas-led government called for Palestinian unity amid factional fighting between Hamas and its rival Fatah.Echoing that call, Prime Minister Ismail Haniya of the Hamas-led government called for Palestinian unity amid factional fighting between Hamas and its rival Fatah.
Large protests have not materialised yet and there are no reports of unrest.Large protests have not materialised yet and there are no reports of unrest.
Revered siteRevered site
The Islamic authorities in charge of the compound say two underground rooms lie under the mound which is due for levelling.The Islamic authorities in charge of the compound say two underground rooms lie under the mound which is due for levelling.
SACRED TO MUSLIMS Site of the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa mosques, where the Prophet is believed to have first prayed and later ascended into Heaven SACRED TO JEWS Site of first and second Temples and believed to be rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice Guide to holy sites The centuries-old walkway partially collapsed in 2004. The current work is intended to secure the area and protect archaeological artefacts that have not been uncovered, Israeli officials say. SACRED TO MUSLIMS Site of the Dome of Rock and Al-Aqsa mosques, where the Prophet first prayed and ascended into Heaven SACRED TO JEWS Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice Guide to holy sites The centuries-old walkway partially collapsed in 2004. The current work is intended to secure the area and protect archaeological artefacts that have not been uncovered, Israeli officials say.
The al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad made an ascent to heaven into the presence of God.The al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad made an ascent to heaven into the presence of God.
For Jews, the Temple Mount is revered as the site of the first Jewish Temple built by King Solomon. The Temple Mount is the holiest site in Judaism, believed to be where Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God and the location of Solomon's Temple.
Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Since then, the compound has remained under Muslim jurisdiction in conjunction with neighbouring Jordan.Israel captured East Jerusalem in the 1967 war. Since then, the compound has remained under Muslim jurisdiction in conjunction with neighbouring Jordan.
On Sunday, Jordan's King Abdullah warned against "any attack on Islamic sites" and condemned Israeli attempts "seeking to change the nature of these sites and erase their Muslim character".On Sunday, Jordan's King Abdullah warned against "any attack on Islamic sites" and condemned Israeli attempts "seeking to change the nature of these sites and erase their Muslim character".