TEMPLE MOUNT WATCH: More on the Mugrabi Gate bridge:

Israel begins contentious work near disputed holy site in Jerusalem

Canadian Press
Published: Tuesday, February 06, 2007

JERUSALEM (AP) - Under heavy police guard, Israeli workers began a dig Tuesday at a centuries-old walkway that leads to a holy site disputed by Muslims and Jews, a spokesman said.

Palestinians warned this week that work just outside the site, known as the Noble Sanctuary for Muslims and the Temple Mount for Jews, would inflame already high tensions. Muslims fear that Israel is planning to damage the neighbouring hilltop compound, the third-holiest site in their religion.

Israel's Antiquities Authority said it is building a new pedestrian ramp leading up to the compound, which has been the scene of clashes in the past. The original earthen walkway was damaged in a snowstorm three years ago.

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