Jerusalem City Hall abandoned plans to build a bridge to the temple mountain that caused Muslim protests

The City Hall of Jerusalem abandoned the plans for the construction of a pedestrian bridge to the temple mountain, which caused violent protests from Muslims and were the cause of mass excitement. About this, as ITAR-TASS reports, BBC reports, referring to the decision of the mayor of Jerusalem Uri Lupolyansky. The city authorities are studying the possibility of implementing alternative plans, including the construction of a small viaduct.

On the temple mountain, located in the Arab part of the city, there are shrines of two religions. This is a cry of crying, remaining from the ancient Jewish temple of Solomon, as well as the Al-Aksa mosque and the mosque of Omar (the dome of the rock).

The Israeli authorities planned to build a permanent pedestrian crossing from the square in front of the wall of crying to the Mugube (garbage) gate. They are the only entrance to the temple mountain for non -Muslims, including for tourists and Israeli security forces. Previously, the transition was carried out along the earthen embankment, but last year it collapsed after a strong rain.

At the beginning of this year, the Israeli authorities decided to excavate at the foot of the temple mountain. Then at this place it was supposed to install supports for the pedestrian bridge. However, Muslims in Palestine and around the world opposed the excavations at the foot of the temple mountain, fearing that they would lead to the destruction of the Al-Aksa mosque, built on its top.

In February, UNESCO called on Israel to stop excavations. Soon after, the mayor of Jerusalem returned the plans for the construction of a pedestrian bridge to the local construction committees to study the alternative options for the project.