Jerusalem holy site tensions mount

The site is contested by Jews and Muslims

The Islamic authority (Waqf) which administers the Haram al-Sharif, or Temple Mount, in Jerusalem has said it will continue to bar non-Muslims from praying there.

The director of the Waqf, Adnan Husseini, was responding to comments by the Israeli Public Security Minister, Tzachi Hanegbi, who said Jews would soon be allowed to pray at the site.

The compound which houses the Dome of the Rock - revered by both Muslims and Jews - and the al-Aqsa Mosque, has been closed by the Waqf to non-Muslims since October, 2000.

Palestinian officials have warned that any move by Israel to sidestep the restrictions would provoke a violent backlash.

'Time is close'

The security minister was quoted as telling the Israeli Knesset (parliament) that the compound would soon be open to non-Muslims, with or without the Waqf's agreement.

"We cannot tolerate a situation in which worshippers of all faiths are not allowed to pray on Temple Mount.

"The time is close, much closer than one thinks, when Jews will be able to pray on this holy site," Israeli media reported Mr Hanegbi as saying.

The compound is known to Jews and Christians as the Temple Mount - having been the site of two Biblical Jewish temples - and to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary).

It has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Middle East war in which Israel occupied the East Jerusalem, although Israel allowed the Waqf to continue controlling day-to-day affairs there.

Israel claims sovereignty over East Jerusalem and disputes its designation under international law as occupied territory. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of the independent state that they hope to establish.

The Waqf temporarily closed the compound to non-Muslims after widespread violence broke out following a visit to the site by the then Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said opening the compound now would court disaster.

"The violence which started with Sharon's visit is still raging today, such a decision would only make things worse," he said.