Christians, Jews banned from Temple Mount in Jerusalem

[Mark]

Christians, Jews banned from Temple Mount in Jerusalem
'It seems freedom of religion in Israel is only for Muslims'

The Israeli government is currently banning all non-Muslims from ascending the Temple Mount, considered the holiest site in Judaism.

"It seems freedom of religion in Israel is only for Muslims and not for Christians and Jews," Danny Danon, deputy speaker of the Knesset, told WND, referring to the new restrictions.

Jerusalem Police spokesman Shmulik Ben Ruby confirmed to WND that Jews and Christians are restricted from entering the Temple Mount due to safety concerns over the main access gate for non-Muslims, known as the Mughrabi Bridge.

Yesterday, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat officially ordered the bridge to be indefinitely closed due to petitions from the city's Antiquities Authority citing fears the weakened wooden structure may collapse or catch fire.

There are 15 gates leading into the Temple Mount compound, 10 of which are in use, but for Muslims only.

The Mughrabi Gate, located at the Western Wall plaza, is the only access for non-Muslims to enter the site, meaning its closure now prevents Jews, Christians and any tourists from visiting until a replacement structure is built.

Ben Ruby said there are no immediate plans for any of the 10 entrances to the Mount to be opened for non-Muslims, citing security concerns.

A replacement bridge could take several months to build. Arab countries are already warning any construction in the sensitive area could lead to violence, claiming the Jewish state is using the bridge renovation to threaten the al-Aqsa Mosque, located on the mount.

"This is a serious step that shows the Zionist scheme of aggression again the Al Aqsa mosque," Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhum told Agence France-Presse.

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[Kilika]

The hypocracy of their rhetoric is amazing. For a religion to be one of peace, Isalm sure likes to threaten non-Muslims with violence.

[Psalm 51:17]

saved

[Mark]

Holiest site reopens to Jews, Christians
Israel had closed Temple Mount gate due to 'safety concerns'

Following protests from nationalist politicians and Temple Mount groups here, Israel today re-opened a walkway to Judaism's holiest site, two days after its closure on purported safety grounds.

It was not immediately clear whether the Mughrabi Gate, the only Mount entrance for non-Muslims, was back open indefinitely.

Jerusalem Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld confirmed to WND the wooden footbridge to the gate is now back open "until further notice."

The structure has been temporarily fireproofed. As an added measure of safety, the Jerusalem municipality stationed a round-the-clock fire truck at the site.

Rabbi Chaim Richman, the international director of the Temple Institute, told WND he was able to ascend the Mount today with six other Jews, including two members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament.

On Sunday, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat officially ordered the bridge to the Mughrabi Gate to be indefinitely closed due to petitions from the city's Antiquities Authority citing fears the weakened wooden structure may collapse or catch fire.

There are 15 gates leading into the Temple Mount compound, 10 of which are in use, but for Muslims only.

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