Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Tuesday expressed deep concern and resentment over the Israeli excavations near the Islamic holy shrine in Jerusalem.

In a statement, Abul Gheit called on the Israeli authorities to stop any activities in that area and avoid taking any act that might infuriate Muslims' feelings.

Meanwhile, the statement warned the Israelis against taking any measures without first consulting the concerned Palestinian parties in view of the sensitivity of the situation, stressing the importance of abiding by the International Humanitarian Law, especially the Geneva Conventions.

Israeli excavation work started Tuesday near Al-Magharba Gate, which is one of the relics of the Arab and Islamic history and its destruction would threaten the foundations of the holy mosque and represent a violation of Islamic sanctities. The operation has stirred wide-spread anger from the Arab world.

Source: Xinhua