Palestinian Islamic supreme judge Sheikh Taysser al-Tamimi Tuesday urged the Palestinians to protect al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem as Israel began construction works near the third holiest site for Muslims.

Accusing Israeli public works of threatening the mosque's foundations, al-Tamimi said, "Israel takes advantage of the current Palestinian infighting to carry out its plans."

Witnesses said that Israeli forces cordoned off Jerusalem's Old City and imposed movement restrictions as bulldozers began demolishing a road leading to al-Aqsa mosque.

The pathway, which partially collapsed in a snowstorm years ago, starts from the Western Wall in Jerusalem and passes near al-Aqsa mosque in Temple Mount, known by Muslim as Noble Sanctuary.

Adnan al-Hussini, director of Islamic Endowments in Jerusalem, has appealed for the United Nations to exert pressure on Israel and force it to stop activities around the mosque.

In recent months, Palestinians have warned that the mosque may collapse as a result of excavations by Israel.

Meanwhile, a military wing of the Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement claimed responsibility for launching two home-made rockets at southern Israel's city of Ashkelon.

In a statement faxed to reporters, Saraya al-Quds Brigades said the attack was in response to the "Israeli aggression against the al-Aqsa mosque."

Noble Sanctuary, where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven, has always been the most sensitive site for Muslims.

In September 2000, then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon entered the mosque against the Palestinian people's will, sparking the second Palestinian uprising (Intifada) which is still going on.

Source: Xinhua