Draft Arab UNESCO resolution on Al-Aqsa compound draws Israel ire

A group of Arab states has angered Israel by submitting a draft resolution to the UN cultural body stating that Jerusalem's Western Wall -- the holiest site at which Jews can pray -- is an "integral part" of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

 The flashpoint compound, which is considered sacred to both Islam and Judaism, is located in the southeastern corner of the Old City in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Muslims call it Al-Haram al-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary) while Jews rever it as the Temple Mount which housed the First and Second Temples.

 Located adjacent to the sprawling esplanade, the Western Wall is the most sacred site at which Jews are allowed to pray as they are not permitted to worship at the compound itself.

 Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters at the compound in September are widely thought to have led to the current wave of deadly violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

 In the draft text, Algeria, Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates condemn Israeli actions at the compound, including restricting access to Muslim worshippers during Eid celebrations last month over security fears.

 It also states that "the Buraq Plaza (the name given to the square in front of the Western Wall) is an integral part of the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al-Sharif."

 The draft will be put to a vote on Wednesday or Thursday within UNESCO's 58-member executive board.