Israel scraps Jerusalem walkway

The plans focused on an ancient mount near the sacred compound

Plans for a new walkway to Jerusalem's holiest site have been scrapped amid concerns about damage to archaeological remains, Israeli officials have said.

Controversial excavation works near the Haram al-Sharif or Temple Mount in East Jerusalem, required before building work could begin, will therefore end.

The city council is now considering alternatives, such as a smaller bridge.

Initial excavations sparked off violent Muslim protests and raised tensions between the Palestinians and Israelis.

In 1996, work to open a tunnel alongside the compound sparked clashes in which 80 people died.

Plan of the holy sites

And in 2000, the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, began at the mosque following a controversial tour of the site by Israel's then-opposition leader Ariel Sharon. The uprising was also driven by Palestinian frustration at the failure of the peace process.

Revered site

The Temple Mount or Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) is the holiest site in Judaism and Islam's third holiest shrine.

Israel has allowed Muslim religious authorities to administer the Haram al-Sharif, but it claims the right to enter at will for security purposes.

JERUSALEM HOLY SITE SACRED TO JEWS: Site of first and second Temples and the rock on which Abraham offered his son as a sacrifice. As the visible remnant of the Temple, the Western Wall is the holiest site in Judaism SACRED TO MUSLIMS: First direction of prayer for Muslims, site of Prophet Muhammad's ascent into, home to al-Aqsa mosque and Dome of the Rock Guide to holy sites Where archaeology is politics

Israeli forces can enter the compound through the Moughrabi, or Moors', Gate, which is high up in the Western Wall and has to be reached by either an earth mound or a walkway.

Last year, the earth mound collapsed after a rainfall and a temporary wooden structure was put up.

The plans for a stronger and more permanent walkway entailed removing the remains of the ancient earth mound down to the bedrock in order to build secure foundations.

But Muslim authorities and archaeologists objected to the excavations, saying they might threaten archaeological remains and damage the compound's foundations.

In March, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) called for an immediate halt to the work and for a new plan to be drawn up.

Following the criticism, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski decided to return the plans to local and regional committees to look for alternative solutions.

"Several alternatives to the bridge that are more in fitting to the area and that will not damage the archaeological site will be submitted," a spokesman for the Jerusalem Municipality said.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war, a move not recognised internationally.

Return to top