Israeli officials fear that tens of thousands of Arab worshippers could be buried alive under a collapse of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount at the start of the Muslim holy month Ramadan Friday.
Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra warned that allowing worshippers into the southeastern corner of the Mount, known as Solomon’s Stables, could lead to an “unimaginable disaster.” The Muslim authority, known as the Waqf, for years has rejected the Israeli warnings, claiming their experts have assured them there is no danger.
Ezra today will ask Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to approve limiting the number of Arab worshippers in the main Temple Mount area to 60,000 if the Wakf does not close off entrance to Solomon’s Stables. Israeli experts warn that a large number of visitors would cause the ceiling to fall and weaken the entire Temple Mount, including the Western Wall.
The month of Ramadan always has been month of high tension. Observant Muslims fast every day, and some Arab mosques often call on worshippers to wage “Jihad” [a holy war] against Israel.
Thousands of policemen and Israeli Army soldiers will fan out throughout the Old City to prevent disorder.
Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra warned that allowing worshippers into the southeastern corner of the Mount, known as Solomon’s Stables, could lead to an “unimaginable disaster.” The Muslim authority, known as the Waqf, for years has rejected the Israeli warnings, claiming their experts have assured them there is no danger.
Ezra today will ask Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to approve limiting the number of Arab worshippers in the main Temple Mount area to 60,000 if the Wakf does not close off entrance to Solomon’s Stables. Israeli experts warn that a large number of visitors would cause the ceiling to fall and weaken the entire Temple Mount, including the Western Wall.
The month of Ramadan always has been month of high tension. Observant Muslims fast every day, and some Arab mosques often call on worshippers to wage “Jihad” [a holy war] against Israel.
Thousands of policemen and Israeli Army soldiers will fan out throughout the Old City to prevent disorder.
