On Thursday the Israeli Antiquities Authority, who started demolishing an entrance to the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem last Tuesday, launched online visual coverage of the excavation it is continuing to carry out at the site.
On Thursday the Israeli Antiquities Authority, who started demolishing an entrance to the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem last Tuesday, launched online visual coverage of the excavation it is continuing to carry out at the site.
People all over the world can access and view the footage of the controversial excavation work via the Israeli Antiquities Authority's website.
Israel claims that the work is being carried out in order to restore the Mugrabi entrance to the Al Aqsa Mosque. According to Israeli officials, the entrance was destroyed in storms in 2004; however, some Arab sources have stated that it in fact collapsed due to previous Israeli excavation work beneath it.
Muslim leaders and human rights groups have warned of the threat to the site, protesting that heavy machinery may damage the foundations of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is considered the third holiest site in the Islamic world. Many groups have also suggested that Israel is using this renovation work as a ploy to mask a larger plan to further judaise of the old city of Jerusalem.
Although the decision to construct a new bridge at the site was withdrawn for re-assessment earlier this week, excavation at the site is continuing. One Israeli media source reported that the excavation work is unrelated to the construction work, despite the fact that the need to build a new bridge was the initial reason given by Israeli authorities to legitimize the excavation.
The demolition and excavation work has sparked outrage amongst Muslim civilians who fear for the safety of their holy site. Protests and demonstrations have occurred throughout the past week, in which people have been expressing their opposition to the actions.
On Wednesday, 50 Palestinian civilians were abducted from their homes in and around Jerusalem by Israeli troops who had taken photographs of people opposing the actions. These images were used to identify and detain people who had voiced their opinions.
