Saturday, 7 April 2001 10:34 (ET)

Hamas: No Israeli Jews in holy site By SAUD ABU RAMADAN

GAZA, April 7 (UPI) -- Islamic resistance movement Hamas warned Israeli Jews Saturday against visiting the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's old city, calling upon Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs to prevent "by all means" their entrance into the area known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, or Noble Sanctuary.

"Muslims all over the world are asked to move as quickly as possible in order to protect their shrine and to support the Palestinian people in their resistance against the Zionist aggression on the holy site," said a Hamas statement.

The Temple Mount is the historical site of the First and Second Jewish Temples in ancient times. Just below the mount is the Western Wall, the holiest site in Judaism. For religious Jews, it is where redemption will take place when the Messiah arrives.

Known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif -- the third holiest site in Islam -- it is the home of the Dome of the Rock and al-Aksa mosque. Muslims believe it was there the Prophet Mohammed was shown when and how to pray, one of the five pillars of Islam. They also believe he ascended to heaven on a winged horse from the Dome's rock.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said Thursday he favors "in principle" the entry of people of all faiths to the area above the ruins of the Jewish Temple Mount, in Jerusalem, on which the Muslim religious buildings were built more than a millennium ago.

The issue was raised when Jewish hardliners appealed to the High Court of Justice for the right to enter the mount and pray there. Israel has closed the area to all non-Muslims since the September riots following Sharon's visit.

Sharon said he has instructed security authorities to find a way to secure the area and allow visitors to enter the site.

The Palestinian Authority warned the prime minister against using armed forces to ensure the safety of visiting Israeli Jews.

"We advise the Israeli government not to respond to the Jewish extremists who are trying to create an unsettled situation and bathe the whole area in an ocean of blood," said a Palestinian Authority statement.

Sharon's visited the site in September 2000, sparking riots that have mushroomed into the ongoing clashes between Israelis and Palestinians and aiding him in his defeat of then Prime Minister Ehud Barak in February national elections. The seven months of fighting have cost the lives of some 400 Palestinians and more than 70 Israelis.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2001