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Jewish Extremists of Temple Mount Faithful to Enter Al-Aqsa Thursday

Agencies

Israel's high court on Tuesday upheld a request by far-right Jewish group, Temple Mount Faithful, to enter Islam's third holiest shrine, the Al-Aqsa mosque compound on a visit “during visiting hours” Thursday to mark the Jewish day of mourning for its destruction the Jewish Temple in 70 BC.

The court ordered the group's leader, Gershon Salomon, to stay clear from the Al-Aqsa mosque compound or the adjacent Al-Buraq Wall.

The court also ruled that the far-right group should "not be allowed to carry placards or act in a provocative manner."

Arab Israeli MP Mohammad Barakeh said in reaction that allowing the activists to enter the compound would lead to a flare-up.

"The decision is petrol in the hands of declared pyromaniacs and could lead to further violence," he said.

A similar court decision in July 2001 sparked bloody clashes in Jerusalem in which 15 Israeli policemen and 18 Palestinians were wounded.