TEMPLE MOUNT DESECRATION CONTINUES

Some 500 cubic meters of dirt - filled with remnants of precious artifacts attesting to the Temple Mount's historic Jewish connection - have been removed from the area by Moslem Waqf construction workers over the past ten days. The illegal Waqf construction activity there is in continuation of its efforts to expand the areas of the mosques atop the holy Jewish site. Heavy machinery was brought in yesterday. The Waqf appears to be engaged in two projects: paving a broad expanse on the eastern side of the Mount, and another unclear project close to the nearby Gate of Mercy, also known as the Golden Gate.

Several members of the Committee to Prevent the Destruction on the Temple Mount, an apolitical group of prestigious archaeologists, lay the blame for the illegal Waqf activities directly on Prime Minister Barak's doorstep. In response to queries on the topic, Prime Minister's Office staffers say that the matter does not pertain to them. The Committee has sent an official request to the Attorney-General's office, demanding that the illegal construction be halted.

(Aruz 7: 14/12/00)