Israeli officials fear that thousands of Arab worshippers could be buried alive if, as feared, the Temple Mount collapses under their weight when they arrive for the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan tomorrow. Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra warned, based on reports by experts in the Antiquities Authority and others, that allowing worshippers onto the southeastern corner of the Mount, known as Solomon's Stables, could lead to an "unimaginable disaster." The Waqf, the Muslim authority supervising the Temple Mount, says that this is merely an Israeli provocation, and that its own experts have assured it that there is no danger.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was to decide today whether to restrict Moslem worshippers from entering the main Temple Mount area tomorrow, if the Waqf does not close off entrance to Solomon's Stables. Israeli experts have warned that a large number of visitors could cause the fall of the floor supported by pillars weakened by the Waqf's illegal excavations. The month of Ramadan is generally a month of high tensions, and Jerusalem police are not looking forward to the upcoming Fridays. Thousands of policemen and soldiers will fan out throughout the Old City tomorrow to prevent disturbances. |