Yousef Alhelou: Al-Aqsa Excavation Website

Israel Antiquities Authority launches webcam coverage of excavation work around Al-Aqsa


The Israel Antiquities Authority is going to enable interested parties all around the world to follow their controversial excavation plans taking place close the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem over the internet.

From Thursday 15 February 2007, the Israel Antiquities Authority says that it will be possible to view the ongoing work via their website http://www.antiquities.org.il/home_eng.asp .

The website also features articles by Israeli archeologists presenting their case for why the work on the Mugharbeh Gate (also known as the Moroccan or Dung Gate) the old city of Jerusalem is essential.

Israel's work on the Mugharbeh Gate has led to violent protests in Jerusalem, across the occupied Palestinian territory and elsewhere. Israel claims the work is essential to restore an entrance to the Haram Ash-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary, which was destroyed in storms in 2004. Muslim leaders protest that heavy machinery may damage the foundations to the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is located on the Haram Ash-Sharif, and considered the third holiest site in the Islamic world. Many leaders also suggest that Israel is using this renovation work as a cover for further Judaisation of the city of Jerusalem.

Yousef Alhelou

Yousef Alhelou is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Gaza. He can be contacted on ydamadan@hotmail.com

Please continue for other reports, but first, PLEASE VISIT

The Noble Sanctuary http://www.noblesanctuary.com

Al-Aqsa Panoramic http://www.visualdhikr.com/extra/aqsa_pano.php

Friends of Al-Aqsa http://www.aqsa.org.uk

Additional Reports:

Turkish Inspectors to Al-Aqsa Mosque (photo source)
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1171539719032&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

Israeli Wall Turns W. Bank into Islets
http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1171431877065&pagename=Zone-English-News/NWELayout

Yousef Alhelou: Clashes around Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem over Israeli Dig
http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout4.php&id=3149&blz=1