JERUSALEM, December 14, 2011 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities Wednesday re-opened the ramp that leads to Magharbe Gate, one of the gates of al-Haram al-Sharif compound in the Old City of Jerusalem, to allow Jews and tourists to reach the Muslim holy sanctuary, according to Waqf officials.

Najeh Bkeirat, head of the manuscripts bureau at al-Aqsa Mosque, told WAFA that the Israeli authorities had allowed access to the Mosque compound to dozens of extremist Jews and tourists through the Magharbe ramp after reopening it only days after shutting it down claiming that it was in danger of collapse.

The gate is the only access way to Jews and tourists to al-Haram al-Sharif compound, which houses al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Access to inside the two buildings is not allowed to non-Muslims. Visitors can only walk around the yards.

One of al-Aqsa Mosque guards said that extremist Jews were seen roaming the courtyards and facilities under the protection of Israeli police.

R.Q./M.S.