Construction at Jerusalem's disputed holy site resumes despite protest

Israeli workers resumed construction work at the Mughrabi Gate near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Sunday, despite protest from both Palestinians and Arab countries.

Meanwhile, Israeli government unanimously approved the resolution to continue the construction work at the Mughrabi Gate, local media reported.

Except for three ministers who abstained, all others who were present at the meeting voted in favor of the resolution.

The resolution stated that the work would be completed as quickly as possible, and until it is finished, the Foreign Ministry would continue diplomatic efforts to neutralize criticism.

Israeli Interior Security Minister Avi Dichter announced during a morning tour of the area that the construction work will continue in spite of the violent protests.

"Construction work at the Mughrabi Gate is an unshakeable fact, it shall be completed, it is not within the Temple Mount compound, and any Muslim familiar with the location understands this is a groundless scandal," Dichter was quoted by Israel Radio as saying while inspecting the construction works.

"Many who oppose the work do not even know precisely where it is being done," he added.

Tension has been running high after Israel began on Tuesday the excavation work outside the compound known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount.

Israel said that the work was aimed at erecting supporting pillars for a permanent and safe bridge leading to the entrance of the compound.

The tension reached its peak on Friday afternoon, when fierce clashes broke out between Israeli police and Muslim protestors shortly after Friday prayers ended.

On Sunday, Israeli security forces were on high alert around the Temple Mount to guard against any possible escalation of violence.

Entry to the Temple Mount is limited to Muslim men with Israeli identity cards aged 45 and over, and Muslim women of any age. Tourists and Israeli Jews are forbidden to get into the site.

Source: Xinhua