Supreme Judge calls for 'day of outrage' at Al-Aqsa excavations throughout Muslim world on Friday

Thursday February 08, 2007 16:26 by Polly Bangoriad - IMEMC & Agencies

Palestinian media sources reported on Thursday that the Supreme Judge of Palestine, Tayseer Al-Tamimi has called for the Muslim world to simultaneously express their outrage at the excavations being carried out near the holy Al Aqsa mosque.

Civilians protesting against the demolition work

He urged Arab and Muslim leaders to demonstrate on Friday against the demolition that has been carried out by Israeli in Jerusalem's old city.

On Tuesday morning Israeli bulldozers started demolishing the bridge to the Mugrabi (Moroccan) Gate, one of the main entrances to the Al Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli government had recently decided to demolish the bridge, citing the need to rebuild it. Ehud Olmert also recently granted permission for a synagogue to be built only 40-50 meters away from the al-Aqsa mosque, on land that was captured from Palestine in the 1967 war.

However, Israeli media is now reporting that the permit issued for the works at the Mugrabi site is deemed illegal due to the failure of excavation directors to submit a more detailed plan. The Waqf religious trust claims that leveling the mound will threaten the foundation of the entire al-Aqsa compound, which dates back to the 7th century.

arab world | holy sites | news report polly_1207 at hotmail dot com