JERUSALEM, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Tensions stemmed from Israel's excavations near a Islamic holy site in the Old City of Jerusalem continued on Wednesday, Israel's local daily Ha'aretz reported.

An Ultra-Orthodox Jew watches as a bulldozer works in front of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City Feb. 6, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

   The report said that an Israeli Islamic leader, Sheikh Ra'ad Salah from the Islamic Movement Northern Branch, was held for questioning Wednesday morning for trying to reach the site of excavation work beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, despite a police ban.

   Six people accompanying Salah were also detained, said the report.

   According to Ha'aretz, visitors' access to the compound was restricted for a second consecutive day on Wednesday due to fears of further protests over the work in the area.

   Muslims across the Middle East have condemned Israel's move since it announced the start of the excavation, fearing Israel will damage the compound, and some of the Arab countries have expressed their concern that the excavation could undermine the peace efforts in the region.

   The Israeli Antiquities Authority on Tuesday defended its construction work, saying it was building a safe bridge to the compound. 

   The Authority said in a press release that it had begun salvage excavations in the Jerusalem Archeological Park, sitting beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, for the purpose of erecting supporting pillars for a permanent and safe bridge leading to the entrance of the compound.

   The bridge will replace the temporary wooden bridge which was built after the original stone ramp leading up to the compound's Mughrabi Gate damaged by earthquake and snowstorms in February 2004.

   The excavations impose no threat to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and are designated to prevent and minimize damage which could be caused to ancient remains as a result of the construction, the Authority said.

   The compound, where Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock is located, is referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as al-Haram al-Sherif, the Noble Sanctuary.

   The Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam's third holiest shrine and has been a focus for Israeli-Palestinian fighting in the past.

   On Tuesday, the Israeli police started to beef up their presence in Jerusalem's Old City and intensify the restrictions on visitors' access to the compound.