Israel installs security cameras in al-Aqsa sanctuary

Israel has installed new security cameras at the entrance of al Aksa's holy mosque in Jerusalem, shortly after officials declared they were willing to examine all <x0 alternative options” to metal detectors in the holy site that raised tensions in the region over the weekend.

Speaking from occupied East Jerusalem, Imran Khan of Al Jazeera said Palestinians feared that Israel would place CCTV cameras at the entrance of the al-Axa complex.

“Palestinians are very angry about this because they consider it an additional security measure,” he said.

“They have always claimed that metal detectors could be Israel's first move to take control of the” complex.

Israel presented new security measures last week after Palestinian invaders opened fire from the holy site, killing two Israeli police officers.

Israeli authorities said it was a necessary measure to prevent further attacks and that their deployment was a routine thing, as has happened with sacred sites around the world.

But Palestinians said Israel was trying to expand its control in the Muslim-managed country and mass protests began.

Hussain Da '%na, a 76-year-old Palestinian, told Al Jazeera that he refuses and opposes setting up security cameras, as he said they further harm Palestinians.

“These cameras are set to identify the faces of people who are forbidden to enter the el-Axis” mosque, Da properna said.

We pray here every morning and the police attack us. I don't intend to continue praying here until Israel removes all that is new”, he added, referring to security measures.

Cameras are learned to be installed only outside “Lions Gate”. Israeli police did not allow journalists to pass through the gate.

Major General Yoav Mordechai, who heads the Israeli defence body for Palestinian civil affairs, said Israel was open to alternatives to lower tensions.

The only thing we want to do is to make sure no one can get back in with a gun and carry out another”, he said.

“We are willing to consider alternatives to metal detectors while selecting alternatives ensures the prevention of the next” attack.

However, Jerusalem mufti Sheikh Hussein told Palestine's Voice that it requires complete return of existing procedures before the attack took place at the mosque, known to Muslims as the “port of heaven” and to Jews like the Temple Mountain.

In a statement Sunday, Islamic institutions in Jerusalem, part of which it is, and he, said that “are proving the minimal rejection of electronic ports and all measures of occupation”.

A senior adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said a series of consultations are being held with different countries for reducing tensions in Jerusalem.

Abbasi's diplomatic adviser, Majdi Khaldi, said Palestinians are co-ordinating with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and others.

On Friday, Abbas announced that it would be <x0ndrinte” ties with Israel “to all levels” until new security measures imposed by Israel are removed.

He did not say if this included stopping the co-ordination of security, which would have broad consequences and significantly increase tensions with Israel.