Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski has decided to suspend works on a walkway leading to the compound of mosques that in recent days sparked clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters. But Prime Minister Ehud Olmert wants archeological works on the site to continue.
Late yesterday, Lupolianski, in agreement with the rabbi of the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinovich, decided to interrupt construction of a new walkway to the mosques after taking into account the views of the municipal authorities, Muslim community leaders and other representatives of the Arab population of East Jerusalem (the old city).
Lupolianski said the plan to build a walkway to the Maghebini Gate “generated a wave of rumours and speculation about Israel’s real intentions with regard to the Al-Aqsa mosque”. Works will be resumed only when rumours have calmed down.
When works started on 6 February last, Israeli Arabs, Palestinians in West Bank and governments across the Middle East criticized the decision, accusing Israel of seeking to destroy the bridge by weakening the foundations.
Lupolianski said he wanted the public and critics of the works to realize that the plan and the bridge were not an offence to the place and would not enter the compound. He said: “It is important that no one should think this was done in secret or for ulterior motives.”
The compound of the Mosques was built on the ruins of the temple of Jerusalem that was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD. It is Islam’s third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina. The western part of the compound touches the so-called “Wailing Wall”, the remains of the Jewish temple, one of Judaism’s holiest sites.
Lupolianksi’s decision was criticized by associations of Jewish colonies who urged the mayor not to “give in to threats”. Meanwhile, Premier Olmert has established that archeological works under the compound will continue. These works are necessary under Israeli law to prevent future constructions from destroying the testimony and remains of the past.