Israel begins removing metal detectors from Temple Mount

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem. Whilst the entire site on which the silver-domed mosque sits, along with the Dome of the Rock, seventeen gates, and four minarets, was itself historically known as the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the wider compound is known as  the Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism.

According to Haaretz, Israel's security cabinet decided during a meeting on Monday night to remove the metal detectors the installation of which led to violence that killed both Israelis and Palestinians.

Israel installed the detectors after two police guards were shot dead on July 14, sparking clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in which three Israelis and four Palestinians were killed.

"A senior Israeli official who attended the cabinet meeting, which lasted around four hours, noted that the metal detectors 'will be replaced by advanced technological means' that will enable 'smart inspection' throughout Jerusalem's Old City to ensure the security of visitors to the Temple Mount compound," reported Haaretz.

"The cabinet accepts the recommendation of security officials to replace the metal detectors with security inspection based on advanced technologies – smart inspection – and other means to ensure the security of visitors and worshipers in the Old City of Jerusalem," the cabinet said in a statement.

The report said police will formulate a plan to install the new security system throughout the Old City to solve security needs at the compound. According to officials, the security cabinet has allocated 100 million shekels to the Israel Police and the Ministry of Public Security to prepare for and eventually implement the new system.

Israel Police and Border Police will deploy additional forces throughout the Old City to ensure the security of visitors to the compound, the official said, adding that the cabinet emphasized that Israel intends to maintain the status quo at the holy site, the report said.

Earlier, expressing deep concern about the escalating tensions and violent clashes taking place in and around the Old City of Jerusalem, the United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the Middle East peace process had called on all to demonstrate maximum restraint and work towards de-escalating the situation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the envoys of the so-called Middle East Quartet – comprising the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union – strongly condemned acts of terror, and expressed regret for all loss of innocent life caused by the violence, and hope for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

The statement comes in the wake of a series of deadly stabbings, other violent incidents and rising tensions in and around Jerusalem's Old City since mid-June, particularly near the holy site known as the Temple Mount and as Haram al-Sharif.

Noting the particular sensitivities surrounding the holy sites in Jerusalem, and the need to ensure security, the Quartet envoys called on all to demonstrate maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and work towards de-escalating the situation.

Through their statement, the envoys welcomed the assurances by the Prime Minister of Israel that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be upheld and respected. Further, the Quartet encouraged Israel and Jordan to work together to uphold the status quo, noting Jordan's special role as recognized in its peace treaty with Israel.

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