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| Israeli authorities fear collapse of section of Temple Mount |
| | www.chinaview.cn 2004-09-26 17:33:36 |
JERUSALEM, Sept.
26 (Xinhuanet) -- Israeli authorities fear that the Jerusalem's Temple Mount
will collapse under the weight of hundreds of thousands of Muslim worshippers
who are expected to arrive for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts
in three weeks, Israel Radio reported Sunday.
According to
the report, Israel Antiquities Authority said the foundations of the mosque at
the area of Solomon's Stables are old and a combination of roofing work on the
building and a recent earthquake have worsened its structural condition.
Some 200,000 Muslim worshippers are expected to attend
Friday prayers on the Temple Mount, known as the Noble Sanctuary, during
Ramadan, Muslim's fasting month. Experts believe that the collapse of the
building's roof and walls is almost certain.
Israel has
asked Jordan and the Waqf Muslim Religious Authority to block access to the roof
of Solomon's Stables and to the eastern arches of the mosque. But the Waqf said
there is no danger of collapse and said the fear is an Israeli plot to control
various mosques in the Temple Mount compound.
If the Waqf
does not agree to prevent access to the concerned areas, Israeli police would
consider blocking access. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has directed the
security establishment to prepare to prevent a mass
disaster.
Internal Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra told Israel Radio on Sunday morning that "the Jordanians understand the problem. We won't have any choice but to reduce the number of worshippers on the Temple Mount during Ramadan." Enditem |
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