Excavation sparks riots

February 09, 2007

The clashes are the worst since work began on Tuesday to recover artefacts before construction begins of a new walkway leading to the al-Aqsa mosque and Temple Mount complex. The excavations have angered Muslims who fear the work could damage the foundations of Islam's third holiest site, despite Israeli reassurances to the contrary. Arab leaders have urged the Israelis to halt the work. There were big demonstrations in Egypt, Jordan and Syria.