Israel Removes Metal Detectors From Jerusalem Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
Israel has backed down in a confrontation over a disputed Jerusalem holy place that is sacred to Muslims and Jews, but tensions remain high.
Israel has dismantled metal detectors that sparked Palestinian riots at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, the site Jews call the Temple Mount. The devices were installed after Arab gunmen killed two Israeli policemen at the compound nearly two weeks ago.
The Palestinians were furious about the metal detectors, accusing Israel of violating freedom of worship and trying to seize control of the third holiest place in Islam. They refused to pass through the detectors, raising tensions as they held prayers on the streets.
The United States intervened, and Ambassador David Friedman mediated a deal between Israel and Jordan, which is the custodian of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“It is important sometimes to get out ahead of things, so I think we did," he said. "With no fanfare, but a lot of hard work and behind the -scenes discussions, we were able to defuse the situation very quickly.â€
The situation, however, has not been defused. Muslim officials are unhappy the detectors have been replaced by high-tech cameras and have urged Palestinians to stay away from the mosque.
Palestinian official Nabil Shaath said the situation must return to the status quo that existed before the crisis began. He said cameras and any new security measures humiliate Muslims and are unacceptable.
Israeli Cabinet Minister Yuval Steinitz said the Palestinian Authority does not want a restoration of calm.
He said Israel made a significant concession, but the Palestinians are trying to incite a religious war between Muslims and Jews.
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