Israel has resumed renovation work near a disputed holy site in Jerusalem following two days of Arab protests against the project.
Israeli workmen returned to the construction site in Jerusalem's Old City Sunday under heavy police guard after a break Saturday for the Jewish Sabbath.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told his Cabinet today the renovation of an ancient walkway will continue because the structure is dangerous. It partially collapsed in a snowstorm three years ago.
The stone ramp leads up to the holy compound known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary (al-Haram al-Sharif), which contains the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jews refer to the complex as the Temple Mount.
Muslim leaders around the world have said the Israeli renovation work threatens the foundations of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
On Saturday, the Arab League called on the United Nations to stop the construction, saying it could disrupt efforts to revive the Middle East peace process.
Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says an increased force of two-thousand officers will remain on patrol in East Jerusalem to maintain order.
The official says Israeli police also will continue to bar Muslim men under 45 from entering the holy site.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.
