Muslims Erupt Over Excavations

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Muslims Erupt Over Temple Mount Excavations

By Julie Stahl
CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief
February 07, 2007

EXCERPT

Jerusalem (CNSNews.com) - The Muslim world is upset about archeological excavations around Jerusalem's Temple Mount because they fear it will disprove their claim that Jews never inhabited the Holy Land before 1948, an Israeli expert on Arabic matters said here.

Islamic leaders on Tuesday urged Palestinians and Muslims across the region to rally against Israel to prevent damage to the Al-Aksa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, which is located on the Temple Mount.

The calls for violence came as archeologists continued what they call "rescue" excavations, which are taking place about 50 meters (163 feet) outside the Temple Mount compound. The rescue work is part of a plan to build a new footbridge to be used by non-Muslims entering the Temple Mount.

The new bridge will replace a temporary wooden ramp that was built two years ago after the original structure leading to the Mughrabi gate partially collapsed following an earthquake and snowstorm. It is the only gate through which non-Muslim visitors can enter the Temple Mount.

The Temple Mount, known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary), was the site of two successive Jewish Temples built during biblical times and is currently the site of important Islamic shrines.