TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Jordan says Israel should not resume excavations at Mugrabi Gate near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
An Israeli ministerial committee recently made the decision that could permit excavations at the holy site to resume, KUNA reported.
Jordanian Ambassador Ali Ayed said Monday in Tel Aviv that his country wants clarification on the recent decision from the Israeli side, adding that his country is concerned about any diggings that could compromise the infrastructure of Muslim holy sites.
He also warned that the potential resumption of the dig could undermine all efforts of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, as well as put a damper on November's U.S.-sponsored international peace conference in Washington.
Israel's Haaretz Newspaper said Sunday that if the Israel Antiquities Authority renews its excavations at the Mugrabi Gate, it would cause tensions with neighboring countries before the Annapolis peace summit.
