Middle East

Violence Erupts at Jerusalem Holy Site

By Chris Mitchell
CBN News

February 9, 2007

CWNews.com – JERUSALEM - Once again, the Temple Mount area in the heart of Jerusalem is at the center of controversy.

According to the Israeli army, the police stormed the Temple Mount area after Muslim demonstrators inside the compound began attacking.

After Israeli police stormed the Temple Mount, multiple explosions and gunfire could be heard throughout the area while riot police spread throughout parts of the old city.

The controversy centers on excavation Israel began just a few days ago.

The Israeli antiquities authority is excavating the Mugrabi ramp, just outside the Temple Mount.
For centuries, the ramp served as an entrance for visitors to the Temple.

But three years ago, in February 2004, following a heavy snow storm and an earthquake, the Mugrabi ramp collapsed. In its place, Israeli officials constructed a temporary wooden ramp.
Now Israel wants to build a permanent ramp over the old Mugrabi ramp. Before they build the ramp, by law, they have to excavate to search for ancient artifacts.

But Islamic leaders throughout the Muslim world - including Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh - are accusing Israel of desecrating and destroying the Al Aksa mosque. One Islamic leader called for a new uprising against Israel.

The excavation, however, is taking place outside the Temple Mount area and a couple of hundred yards away from the Al Aksa mosque itself. It's also taking place on land controlled by Israel.

Some Israelis believe the provocation by these Islamic leaders is a deliberate disinformation campaign designed to incite Muslim anger against Israel.

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